Things You Should Know

  • What type of legal services does the Office of General Counsel provide?

  • The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal and risk management advice on a variety of matters to the Board of Trustees, the President, university administrators, and faculty and staff acting on behalf of the University.

  • Who does the OGC represent?

  • The OGC provides legal advice and representation to the University, its schools, academic and administrative departments, and its affiliated entities. This includes providing advice and counsel to the University’s trustees, officers, administrators, faculty and staff acting in their official capacities on a variety of issues affecting the University. The OGC does not represent or advise faculty, staff or students on personal legal matters. For personal legal advice, a private attorney should be consulted.

  • Do I have signature authority to sign contracts or to enter into a transaction on behalf of the University?

  • Under the current contract process, only three individuals have authority to bind the University in contractual matters (the President, the Provost and the Vice President for Finance and Administration). Please refer to the Contract Review Process.

  • I received a subpoena to appear as a witness in a case. What should I do?

  • If you have been subpoenaed in connection with your duties or activities at the University, contact the attorney that you have been assigned to represent you in the legal proceeding.  If an attorney has not been assigned to represent you in a matter related to the University, contact the OGC for further instructions. If you have been subpoenaed in a matter unrelated to the University, you will need to consult personal legal counsel.

  • I received a subpoena to turn over documents (a subpoena duces tecum) relating to University business. How should I respond?

  • Forward any subpoena or request for documents you receive to OGC. OGC will determine whether to respond and notify the responsible office.

  • I have been contacted by a government enforcement officer or law enforcement agency about University matters. What should I do?

  • Refer any government enforcement official seeking access to University records or requesting to interview University faculty or staff to OGC.

  • I am being sued. Will the Office of General Counsel represent me?

  • If you are being sued as a result of activities performed within the scope of your University employment, the University will provide protection from liability for such activities in accordance with the New Jersey Tort Claims Act.  Generally, the Attorney General’s Office represents the University and employees in litigated matters arising out of the actions within the scope of their duties.  

    If you are being sued in your individual capacity for activities unrelated to the University, the OGC cannot represent you, defend you or refer you to specific counsel. However, you may want to contact The New Jersey State Bar Association for attorney referral services assistance.