Yale University has appointed a Hogan Lovells partner as its next general counsel and vice president.

The Ivy League university has turned to Washignton-based Alexander Dreier, who will take on the joint role from 23 May 2015.

Dreier's practice focuses on advising universities, medical centres and other research institutions on human rights, research regulation, clinical trials as well as international and domestic research collaborations.

The Yale alumnus has also represented universities in the Supreme Court on matters relating to student privacy.

Dreier is set to take over the GC role next year from current acting general counsel Cynthia Carr who was appointed in October. Carr became chief legal officer for the university following the retirement of Dorothy Robinson, who had held the position for 27 years.

"Alex's goal, from his earliest legal career, was to practice education law, and I am delighted that this path has brought him to Yale," said Yale University president Peter Salovey. In a statement Salovey also thanked Carr and Robinson for their time at the university.

Dreier joined legacy Hogan & Harston as an associate 1997 and was promoted to the firm's partnership in 2003.

In a statement Hogan Lovells said: "We congratulate Alex on his appointment as Vice President and General Counsel of Yale University. He is an outstanding lawyer and is joining a stellar institution. We will miss his insights and talents, but wish him the best in this new role."