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Office of the University Counsel

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

The University Counsel's office provides legal services to the President and members of the University community, including representation, advice, research, training and opinions to administration, faculty and staff, and others acting on the University's behalf.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

The University Counsel serves as a member of the President's executive leadership team and works closely and collaboratively with senior administrators, executive and administrative employees, faculty, staff, and various standing and ad hoc committees, including the University's conflict of interest evaluation committee. The University Counsel is responsible for providing employees with client advice, representation in civil matters and administrative/enforcement proceedings, litigation support, reviewing, drafting and negotiating contracts and settlements, extra-judicial resolutions, institutional affiliation, purchasing and service contracts, and other legal matters involving the institution, including review of University policies and procedures.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR EMPLOYEES

For most employees, the most important function University Counsel will serve will be providing legal representation and advice during a lawsuit, institutional dispute, administrative agency matter, complaint, grievance, or investigation. The University 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.