Regular services through the GC's Office:

• Contract review
• Subpoenas
• Staff Trainings
• Notary Public
• Consultation
• Student resource

Contract Review

The GC is on staff to assist university employees in either the negotiation or final review of contracts.

University policy requires that the General Counsel review contracts prior to their being signed by an authorized signer, however, any time there is a question regarding a contract, please feel free to send it along.

Subpoenas, requests for documents and information, process servers

Employees who receive a subpoena can call the GC's office for assistance in compliance, and should send a copy to the GC's officer for record-keeping. 

Requests for documents and information must be made with the proper authority and clearance; if you're uncertain regarding the validity of a request, please check with your functional officer, who can consult with the GC.

Process servers should be directed to the office of the President.

Please know that most of the above-referenced documents are time-sensitive and should be called to the a functional officer's direct attention so they can coordinate a response with the recipient or direct it to the proper university personnel.

Staff Trainings

Coordinating with the various departments at NU, the GC offers trainings on a variety of legal issues. To date, topics have included university policy, FERPA, social networking, Clery Act compliance, civil rights, discrimination, copyrights, trademarks and patents.

Notary Public

Members of the Niagara University community (students and employees) may have their documents notarized by appointment.  Be sure to bring a picture i.d., and don't sign the document until you are in the presence of the notary.

In-house Consultation

Typically, direct requests for GC advice and input may only be made by an Officer, Dean, or Director. At times, however, one of these "Regular Contacts" will delegate a person authorized to work on a specific matter. 
However, we're here to help, so if there is a critical situation, please consider us available.

A Resource for Students

While the GC works solely for the University and may not represent or advise students, the Office of the General Counsel is available to smooth the road for students navigating the legal challenges of adult life.  From presenting seminars such as "Your Rights as a Tenant" for student who reside off-campus, to being available (through one of the above parties), to direct people to the type of legal assistance they may need, the Office of the General Counsel contributes to the full array of services offered to students at Niagara.