Wayne State University

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Policies and Procedures

Legal Policies

10.4 LEGAL SERVICES

DESCRIPTION

The Office of the General Counsel is responsible for all legal services required by the University and its faculty, staff, employees and students in the conduct of University affairs.

 

DEFINITION(S)

Legal Advice

 

A statement of legal appraisal/judgment from the Office of the General Counsel which is representative of Wayne State University's legal position on that subject.

 

Legal Opinion

A "legal opinion" is an opinion signed by the General Counsel of the University, or, in his/her absence, by his/her designee, which states the opinion of the office of the General Counsel, and thus the position of Wayne State University, on a matter of legal interpretation and/or policy.

 

Legal Services

The act of providing legal advice and/or representation.

 

University Affairs

Matters relating to the University's business.

 

 

POLICY

Most legal questions are of a routine nature and do not rise to the level of questions of legal policy: as, for example, inquiries as to the correctness of a proposed contract or the legality of a particular course of conduct. These inquiries should be made directly by appropriate University personnel to the Office of the General Counsel. The very few questions which do rise to the level of "legal policy" are processed pursuant to Executive Order 84-3, Legal Opinions.

 

Personal legal problems are NOT within the province of the Office of the General Counsel. Inquiries regarding personal legal problems should be made to private legal counsel.

PROCEDURE

Responsibility

Action

Department/ Inquirer

  1. Present matter which may require legal clarification to supervisor.

  2. Forward written inquiry to Dean, Director or Department Chairperson for approval.

 

Director Dean/Chairperson

  1. Determine if request impacts on matters of a daily nature or of University policy/position.

  2. Sign and forward approval request to:

    1. The Office of the General Counsel on matters of daily matters.

    2. The Chief of Staff or President for legal opinion on University policy/position.

 

President/ Chief of Staff

  1. Present question to President's Executive Council for discussion.

  2. Forward written request to the Office of the General Counsel for a written legal opinion on matter.

 

Office of the General Counsel

  1. Review inquiry.

  2. Respond in writing to the inquiry.

 

 

Legend

Policy Manual Acronyms

UP = University Policies

APPM = Administrative Policy & Procedure Manual

NRM = Personnel Manual for Non-Represented Employees