Office of the General Counsel

Providing Top-Quality, Timely, Effective and Efficient Legal Services to the University Community

The General Counsel's office provides a wide range of legal services to the President, the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees, and other authorized members of the University community, including University leadership and other administrators. In providing services to the University community, the OGC’s primary goal is to deliver top-quality, timely, effective and efficient legal service.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

The General Counsel serves as a member of the President's executive leadership team and works closely and collaboratively with senior administrators, and other authorized University employees, faculty and staff, and advises various standing and ad hoc University committees, including the University's conflict of interest evaluation and human subject committees. The General Counsel also reviews, drafts and negotiation contracts, and reviews University policies and procedures.

Please note: Pursuant to the Focus Act, all TBR Polices are deemed to be TSU Policies, except as modified by TSU.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR EMPLOYEES

For many employees, the most important function General Counsel will serve will be providing legal representation and advice during a lawsuit or administrative agency matter. The General Counsel also serves as legal counsel during an on-site investigation or audit by an external enforcement agency such as the Department of Labor, the United States Department of Education, the EEOC, or the NCAA, and acts as litigation counsel and a liaison between the employee and the Tennessee Attorney General's office during litigation.