Overview of Services | Legal Affairs

This office supports the mission of the University by handling all aspects of the University’s legal services and providing advice for the University’s Board of Directors, the President and all authorized administration and representatives of the University. The Office also initiates legal action to forestall problems and manage risks, and represents the University in all administrative and judicial proceedings that might occur.

The Office is also responsible for retaining and supervising outside counsel engaged by the University.

Matters requiring legal advice or legal action relating to University business should be referred to the Office of Legal Affairs through the appropriate University administrator such as a director, dean or vice president.

Common matters requiring legal advice include:

Drafting and reviewing agreements, contracts, licenses and leases
Interpretation and drafting of legislation, rules, regulations and policies
Intellectual property issues
Legal advice on matters involving compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations
Management of litigation
Response to subpoenas and other requests for documents
Conflict of interest issues
Equity and discrimination matters
Governance questions
Acquisition of real property
Facilitating delegations of contract authority
Immigration services overview and protocol

Should you receive any legal document or notice relating to University business (such as a subpoena, a complaint, a hearing notice or any document or notice relating to a legal proceeding), please forward the document to our office immediately.

For additional information regarding immigration services and protocol, please refer to the University's Immigration Protocol. Should you have questions or require additional information, please contact our office.

The Office of Legal Affairs is not authorized to render personal legal advice to University employees or students. If you need an attorney for personal matters, you may contact the Cleveland Bar Association free referral service by calling (216) 696-3532.

Disclaimer: Nothing contained within this site and related links may be construed as legal advice from the Office of Legal Affairs. Users should always consult with appropriate licensed counsel if legal issues are involved. The materials presented here are for informational purposes only.