Three-time graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Monica Allen, is taking the reigns of her alma mater's legal department. She's been appointed vice chancellor and general counsel of the institution, effective July 1. Allen succeeds Michael Cannon, who spent 23 years in the position and is staying on as a professor of practice and a special assistant to the chancellor.

Chancellor Mark Wrighton called Allen “job-ready.” She's been with the university since 2006, according to her LinkedIn account, most recently as associate vice chancellor, deputy general counsel and chief litigation counsel. Formerly, she was a partner at Haar & Woods in St. Louis and spent time as a senior attorney at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In her new role, Allen will manage a staff of 22 people, including 14 attorneys. She will report to Wrighton.