Office of University Counsel

The Office of the University Counsel provides comprehensive legal advice and representation to support the mission and operations of Jacksonville State University. The office assists the University in maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies.

Reporting directly to the President and working closely with senior leadership, the office of University Counsel plays a vital role in advancing the University’s goals while safeguarding its legal and ethical interests.

Primary Responsibilities

• Legal Advice & Representation: Advises University administrators, faculty, and staff in their official capacity on matters involving University governance, employment, contracts, intellectual property, risk management, and regulatory compliance. University personnel requesting assistance should email legal@jsu.edu.
• Risk Management: Identifies and mitigates legal risks and assists in developing policies and procedures that promote compliance, accountability, and sound decision-making.
• Contract Review: Reviews, drafts, and negotiates contracts and agreements to protect the University’s interests. Most University contracts must first be reviewed by University counsel before they are submitted for signature by either the President or the Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration.  Contracts needing legal review should be emailed to contracts@jsu.edu with a completed contract intake form found in the Contracts Resources tab.
• Litigation Management: Oversees or coordinates all legal claims, lawsuits, and administrative proceedings involving the university.
• Public Records Requests: The office of University Counsel responds to all public records requests.  If University personnel receive a public records request, please forward it to legal@jsu.edu.  All public records requests must comply with the Public Records Request policy, which includes the submission of a Public Records Request form, along with proof of Alabama residency.
• Policy Development: Assists in the creation, interpretation, and implementation of university policies and procedures.
• Ethics & Compliance: Provides guidance on ethical standards, conflicts of interest, and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.