Overview

In order to effectively counsel the University, each attorney in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) not only possesses knowledge in a broad range of legal areas but also specializes in specific areas of law.

These areas of expertise and services are listed below. Working under this model, the OGC is able to identify and assess legal issues affecting the University and provide sound advice based on up-to-date legal expertise.

If you need assistance in seeking legal advice or would like to be directed to the appropriate attorney, please contact us.

Practice Area Team Leader & Members Description
Academic and Faculty Affairs

Team Leader

We advise on matters relating to the academic enterprise, including academic programs, institution-to-institution admission agreements, non-clinical affiliation agreements and employer agreements for experiential learning and Drexel’s cooperative learning programs. We also advise and support the Provost’s Office, Human Resources and the various colleges and schools on matters related to faculty hiring and development, tenure, and shared governance.

Athletics

Team Leader

Team Members

We advise on compliance and contracts relating to Drexel’s NCAA Division I athletic teams and the administration of our club and recreational sport programs. OGC further supports the academic, financial and auxiliary services provided to our student athletes and the use of our athletic facilities by third parties.

Civil Rights Compliance

Team Leader

Team Members

We work closely with University units to address compliance with Drexel policies and federal, state and local laws/regulations, and preventing discrimination in all forms. We advise the Title IX/EEO Coordinator and team in handling and any complaints or incidents of bias, harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct impacting members of the Drexel community irrespective of the academic or administrative unit from where such matters may arise.

Compliance Office / Internal Audit

Team Leader

We advise on all issues relating to compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as well as University policies that relate to Drexel’s business. We also support the units responsible for these areas regarding matters that may be reported to the Board of Trustees’ Audit Committee. Focus areas include financial and privacy laws/regulations, internal investigations, and policy compliance.

Contracts and Business Transactions

Team Leader

We are responsible for reviewing, negotiating and providing counsel on a wide range of legal agreements pertaining to the University’s academic and business relationships in support of its strategic and operational missions.

All contract-related inquires and communications should be directed to OGCRMContracts@drexel.edu.

Corporate Governance / Board Matters

Team Leader

We advise on the operation of the University in accordance with its governing documents, maintaining Drexel’s non-profit status, conflicts of interest, and signature authority and delegation.  We also draft resolutions for board approval, serve on board committees and present and support staff presentations to the University trustees.

Employment, Labor Law & Benefits

Team Leader

We work closely with Human Resources, the Provost’s Office, and managers throughout the University to provide advice concerning the University’s relationship with its employees. Key areas include disability accommodation, leaves of absence, employee conduct, hiring, layoffs, separations, wage and hour matters, retirement, employment visas, union contracts, and benefits. We also advise the University’s Minors Coordinator on compliance with laws and regulations relating to interactions with minors through University activities and programs.

Finance, Endowment and Taxation

Team Leader

We work closely with the Finance and Tax Departments to advise on a wide range of issues relating to non-profit corporation law, unrelated business income tax (UBIT), the University’s endowment and related investments, tax-exempt bond and other financing instruments, and property tax matters.

Government and Community Affairs

Team Leader

Team Members

We advise on the impact of various laws and regulations and review grants and program agreements pertaining to the University’s work with federal, state, and local governments and agencies, non-profit organizations, and neighborhood and community organizations.

Health Sciences (Includes Clinical Education/Affiliation Agreements)

Team Leader

Team Members

We provide legal services in support of all Drexel Health clinical practice operations, including those operated by the College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Arts and Sciences, Dornsife School of Public Health and Salus at Drexel University. We review all clinical training affiliation agreements and student clinical placement agreements. We also advise with respect to any other academic, clinical, membership/ownership, contractual, or other interest the University may have with other healthcare professionals, organizations, or facilities.

Information Technology, Data Privacy & Security

Team Leader

Team Members

We advise on a wide range of topics relating to use of university technology resources, cybersecurity and data privacy (including FERPA and HIPAA regulations), and artificial intelligence (AI). We also review all software agreements relating to university business.

Institutional Advancement

Team Leader

Team Members

We provide legal advice relating to the charitable and philanthropic activities conducted by Institutional Advancement, including the review of legal agreements, and provide legal advice on related matters.

Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer

Team Leader

Team Members

We advise on matters related to intellectual property rights and assets, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. This includes matters pertaining to the evaluation, protection, licensing (both in-bound and outbound), commercialization, and enforcement of such assets.

International / Immigration

Team Leader

Team Members

We provide legal advice and support for all of Drexel’s international activities and those on campus that involve foreign persons, companies, or governments. We advise the Office of Global Programs in a variety of study abroad (and other global) programs and the Office of International Students and Scholars Services in all facets of immigration related legal matters. Key areas also include the application of U.S. and foreign labor, tax, and entity laws.

Libraries, Collections, and Archives

Team Leader

Team Members

We review contracts and advise on the entire spectrum of legal matters, including exhibit loans and insurance/risk management for the University’s (including the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University) multiple libraries, collections, archives, and galleries.

Litigation (Including Subpoenas and Warrants)

Team Leader

We represent the University in contested matters in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies. The OGC manages or directly handles a wide variety of claims, including constitutional issues, contracts, employment discrimination, personal injury, worker’s compensation, medical malpractice, and other legal claims.

Online Education

Team Leader

We advise on legal complexities related to online course delivery, including state and federal regulations related to state authorization, accessibility concerns, and data protection concerns related to student privacy.

Policy Formation / Review / Interpretation

Team Leader

We advise the University’s Policy Committee on relevant laws and regulations that may impact respective policies, as well as best practices surrounding policy formation and periodic review.

Public Safety

Team Leader

We advise and support the Department of Public Safety in addressing crime prevention measures and handling safety issues that affect the University community. Specific areas include Clery Act reporting and compliance; handling/reviewing subpoenas and warrants; investigations; and protocols for responding to emergencies.

Real Estate, Facilities & Construction

Team Leader

Team Members

We advise on issues relating to the ownership, management, leasing, and temporary use of University or third-party owned property and facilities irrespective of the academic or administrative unit from where such matters arise. Key topics include maintenance of buildings and grounds, construction and alteration of buildings, zoning, acquisition, and disposition of property. We also advise on housing, including dormitories, affiliated housing agreements, Greek housing, and residential and commercial leasing by Academic Properties, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the University.

Records Management

Team Leader

Team Members

We advise University constituents on questions regarding compliance with the University’s Record Management Policy which includes periodic review of the record Retention Schedule.

Research

Team Leader

We provide legal support and advice to the Office of Research and Innovation on the conduct of research activities and programs at Drexel. We respond to questions regarding governmental, industry and foundation sponsored research contracts, grants and awards. We also provide legal guidance on research compliance and regulatory matters.

Student Affairs / Financial Aid

Team Leader

Team Members

We advise University administration, faculty and professional staff on all aspects of student life, including disabilities and accommodations, discipline, discrimination, Title IX compliance, admissions, financial aid, privacy, student health, safety and student activities.