Seth F. Gilbertson

Seth brings direct experience in student affairs, labor and employment matters to his clients, with an emphasis on higher education institutions (HEIs). For the past 16 years, he served as senior counsel to several HEIs in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, including Upstate Medical University and the University at Buffalo.

Most recently, Seth was labor and student affairs counsel for SUNY’s western campuses (University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Brockport and Alfred State College). In addition, he served as primary counsel for international programs, applied learning and records/e-discovery. 

Seth oversaw many labor and employment cases, including cases before the New York State Division of Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He has drafted multiple policy documents for SUNY, including housing licenses, discrimination complaint procedures and e-discovery procedures. Seth managed audits, including federal and state Clery, OFCCP and Title IX audits; represented SUNY during Inspector General and Office for Civil Rights investigations and was counsel to task forces on student wellness and students with disabilities. He negotiated system-wide contracts with Google and Microsoft. 

Seth is a frequent presenter at national higher education conferences, including National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).