The General Counsel is Trinity University's chief legal officer and its Board of Trustees. The General Counsel serves as Trinity’s primary legal representative, providing legal advice and assistance to the university, faculty, and staff to support Trinity’s mission and manage its business affairs.

Our role is to offer strategic advice that aligns with the university’s goals, ensuring legal compliance while protecting the institution’s interests. Whether we’re reviewing contracts, advising on policy matters, or navigating complex legal challenges, our mission is to empower the Trinity community with informed and effective legal solutions.

   IMPORTANT: The Office of General Counsel does not provide legal advice to students or employees about personal matters. 

 

Common subject matter areas addressed by the office:

Development, Charitable Giving, and Trusts & Estates
  • Drafting and reviewing donor gift agreements 
  • Ensuring legal compliance with the laws related to charitable giving
  • Providing counsel to internal clients on the tax implications and fidcisary responsibilities related to donations and bequest
Finance, Investments, and Banking
  • Providing advice and counsel on matters concerning bond offerings, internal audits, financings, and banking relationships. 
  • Supporting the Office of Investments by collaborating with external counsel specializing in due diligence, minerals, and other institutional assets
General Employment Law and Employee Benefits 
  • Ensuring compliance with labor laws
  • Drafting and reviewing employment related agreements
  • Overseeing workplace conduct and benefits administration policies
General Contract and Purchasing
  • Providing legal review and guidance on contracts and purchasing agreements
  • Drafting vendor and service provider contracts
  • Ensuring agreements are fair, compliant, and protect the University’s interests 
Institutional Governance
  • Advising the Board of Trustees on governance policies and fiduciary responsibilities 
  • Drafting and reviewing bylaws, charters, and other governance documents 
  • Supporting the development and implementation of conflict-of-interest policies
Intellectual Property
  • Advising on the protection, management, and commercialization of the University's innovations and creative works
  • Ensuring compliance with intellectual property laws, drafting and negotiating licensing agreements
  • Safeguarding the University's rights and interests in patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
Litigation Management
  • Managing and coordinating all legal disputes and proceedings involving the University
  • Selecting and supervising working with outside counsel
  • Ensuring the University's interests are effectively represented and protected in court
Real Estate, Facilities, and Related Environmental Issues
  • Providing legal guidance on property transactions, development projects, and regulatory compliance. 
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on zoning and land use matters.
  • Supporting the Office of Facilities in ensuring adherence to environmental laws to protect the University's interests and sustainability goals.
Research Compliance
  • Ensuring all research activities adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
  • Offering legal counsel on grants administration, human and animal subject protections, and intellectual property management.
  • Upholding the integrity and credibility of the University’s research initiatives through vigilant oversight and legal support 
Student Affairs
  • Providing legal advice on policies and procedures that impact student life and well-being.
  • Ensuring compliance with education laws related to the protection of student rights.
Disclaimer

The materials on the Office of General Counsel pages and related links are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. The General Counsel cannot provide individual legal advice to Trinity University students, faculty, or staff, except when legal issues arise due to actions taken during the course and scope of employment and/or while acting on behalf of the University.