Mission
The General Counsel is the Chief Legal Officer of Florida State University, and under the General Counsel's direction and supervision, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) supports the dynamic educational mission, goals, and environment of Florida State University by providing legal advice to foster sound decision-making in all areas of operation, instruction, programs, research and administration, consistent with the highest standards of professional ethics. The Florida State University Board of Trustees, acting for and on behalf of the University as an institution, is our client. Our function is to provide, manage and coordinate quality legal services including legal counsel and representation, litigation and legal risk management, contract drafting and review, compliance oversight and other services and counsel to all parts of the University. As part of these services, OGC provides counsel in decision-making to the Board of Trustees, the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans and Directors, faculty, supervisors and other employees acting in their capacity as employees. OGC provides advice on the legal implications of policy and other decisions under applicable law, regulations, and policies; drafts and reviews legal documents, legislation, pleadings, regulations, and policies; and represents the University in litigation matters, administrative and regulatory hearings, and significant business transactions. It is the goal of our Office to provide counsel to minimize legal risk and costs, reduce litigation exposure, and ensure legal compliance, and to do so efficiently, expeditiously, reliably, responsively, and professionally.