When should I contact General Counsel?

As in-house counsel, we are the most effective when providing early, preventative and prospective advice on matters by identifying, managing and avoiding risk and legal situations rather than waiting until a controversy or problem has been encountered. General Counsel should always be contacted in the following circumstances:

• When the School has received a subpoena, a notice or threat of a lawsuit, claim, proceeding, investigation or contract dispute.

• When you receive a notice or complaint from an administrative agency such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), and the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).

• When an outside party has demanded payment for a wrong alleged to have been committed by the university or by an agent of the university.

• When NCSSM receiveds a substantial or complex public records request.

• Anytime you propose to present a new or revised policy to the Board of Trustees.

• Anytime your are asked to sign a contract (e.g. agreement, memorandum of understanding, license) other than a form approved by the Purchasing Office

• Anytime you are contemplating hiring outside counsel for the School

• Anytime you are contemplating an involuntary separation of an EPA or SPA employee.

• When an employee has filed a grievance or requested a hearing.

• When it is unclear whether an applicant meets established criteria for legal residency or campus safety.

• When it is unclear whether the School can provide reasonable disability acommodations.

• When an individual has suffered a serious injury or death occuring on NCSSM property, in connection with the course and scope of their NCSSM work, or while participating in a School-sponsored activity, program or field trip.

• When significant property damage has occured to property owned or leased by NCSSM.

• When a government inspector or investigator show up in your office.

• Whenever you need legal advice pertaining to your official responsibilities at NCSSM