Frequently Asked Questions

The OGC oversees the management and provision of all legal services for the University. These legal services cover nearly all fields of law encountered in the academic and business life of the University.

The OGC provides legal advice and representation to the University. The University and all of its schools, colleges, departments and offices are one legal entity.  In that capacity, the OGC attorneys advise the Administrators, Faculty and Staff, all in their official capacities, on various issues impacting the University.

If you are being sued as a result of activities performed within the scope of your University employment, with some exceptions, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office will provide representation. If you are being sued in your individual capacity for activities unrelated to the University representation is not provided.

No. The OGC represents the University, and works only on University-related matters. For legal resources, none of which the OGC specifically endorses, please visit our Legal Resources page on our website.

No. Only the General Counsel may retain outside counsel for matters related to the University.

You should refuse to accept the papers. Direct the official to the OGC and call the OGC at ext. 82331 to alert us.

An attorney at OGC may accept service, properly made, on behalf of the University. Employees of the University who are sued in their individual capacities must be served according to the Maryland Rules. OGC attorneys do not accept service on behalf of individuals in their personal capacity.

If you have been subpoenaed in connection with your duties associated with the University, you should contact the OGC for further instructions. If you have been issued a subpoena in a matter unrelated to the University, you will need to contact your own personal legal counsel.

If you are contacted by an outside attorney in connection with University business, please notify the OGC immediately. Please do not speak or correspond directly with an attorney representing someone other than the University who is engaged in or threatening a claim or lawsuit against the University or against you in your official capacity for the University.

Faculty and staff should feel free to contact the OGC at ext. 82331.

The President, the Provost, and certain other senior officers are authorized to sign on behalf of the University. Generally, this authority is limited to a specific area of responsibility. Please check with the senior manager in your area to determine who has the authority to sign the particular document you need executed. If he or she does not know, we can help determine the appropriate signatory.

Your communications with OGC attorneys may be privileged as to outside third parties, but not necessarily privileged from disclosure to other University officials. However, we will make every effort to keep communications confidential to the extent possible. If you have any questions or concerns about the confidentiality of a particular conversation, you should ask the attorney before the conversation begins.