Office of the General Counsel

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Functions of the Office of the General Counsel

1. What is the Office of the General Counsel?

2. Who does the Office of the General Counsel represent?

3. What do the lawyers do at UNF?

4. Who can I contact if I have questions about a contract?

5. Who can I contact if I need a customized release for a student activity?

6. Who can I contact if an attorney contacts me regarding the activities of a faculty or staff member?

7. Can I obtain personal advice and legal services from the OGC?

8. How can I find an attorney to represent me in a personal matter?

9. Who can I contact if I receive a subpoena or a public records request?

1. What is the Office of the General Counsel?
The Office of the General provides legal representation and support for all segments of the University community. As such, this Office attempts to facilitate the expedient resolution of all legal concerns which affect the University, its faculty, staff and/or administrators.

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2. Who does the Office of the General Counsel represent?
We represent the University of North Florida as an institution, the Chief Executive of which is the President. We also represent those organizations which directly support the University including the UNF Foundation. We do not represent individual students, faculty, or staff in their personal/non-UNF concerns.

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3. What do the lawyers do at UNF?
We provide legal advice and representation to the University in many areas, including business/corporate law, labor and employment law, health law, litigation, copyright issues, administrative law and civil rights law. In performing these duties we:

Interpret and/or apply state laws and administrative code rules
Formulate and issue legal opinions
Review and/or draft legal documents such as contracts, university regulations and procedures
Represent the University and its agents in administrative hearings
Monitor and respond to ongoing litigation
Offer assistance and advice in assuring compliance with applicable federal regulations such as those relating to discrimination based on race, sex, age, national origin or disability
Coordinate responses to hundreds of subpoenas/court orders, public records and other requests
Answer many legal questions daily from UNF faculty and staff
Train and educate UNF faculty and staff

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4. Who can I contact if I have questions about a contract?
Chris Wrenn at cwrenn@unf.edu or (904) 620-1007

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5. Who can I contact if I need a customized release for a student activity?
Chris Wrenn at cwrenn@unf.edu or (904) 620-1007 or Marc Snow at msnow@unf.edu or (904) 620-2866.

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6. Who can I contact if an attorney contacts me regarding the activities of a faculty or staff member?
Marc Snow at msnow@unf.edu or (904) 620-2866

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7. Can I obtain personal advice and legal services from the OGC?
No. The OGC provides legal services related to University business only. You can consult with an OGC attorney regarding University legal matters related to your employment; however, you are responsible for hiring your own attorney for handling personal legal matters.

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8. How can I find an attorney to represent me in a personal matter?
Contact any one of the following:

Jacksonville Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at (904) 399-5780
JBA Lawyer Referral Service

Jacksonville Area Legal Aide at (904) 356-8371
Jax Area Legal Aid

Three Rivers Legal Services at (904) 794-7450
3 Rivers

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9. Who can I contact if I receive a subpoena or a public records request?
Contact Stephanie Howell at showell@unf.edu or (904) 620-1028.

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