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. 

What is a contract, anyway?

Grants, waivers, release forms, "letters of understanding," affiliation agreements, linking agreements, software licenses, leases, consulting agreements, under the right circumstances, can all be construed as contracts.  When in doubt, please don't hesitate to e-mail us for clarification.

What is the best way to initiate contract review?

If your office has the capability, please scan and e-mail a copy to the GC office, otherwise, a faxed copy is fine.  We would prefer that you retain your original copy, so you can send it to the designated signer once the legal review is complete. 

In order to keep things moving, please let Katie in the office know if you are working with a deadline, and any other special considerations you would appreciate.  Feedback from the GC will be sent to the submitter and designated signer; once a contract is signed, please send a fully-executed copy to Business Services.

So, who gets the final signed copy?

Original, signed documents should be sent to Business Services for storage and uploading to the Contracts database, which ensures electronic backup of documents. 

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 offier, 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 been: workplace sexual harassment, 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 the President, Executive Vice President/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Administration, Vice President of Student Life, Assistant to the President for Planning, Director of Business Services, Director of Human Resources, and the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  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.