Retention of Counsel

The Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) manages all litigation and other legal proceedings on behalf of the University and its employees. The Vice President for Legal Affairs is solely responsible for selecting and retaining outside counsel and determining when outside counsel is needed to represent the University. OLA does not represent individual faculty, staff members or administrators in legal matters outside the scope of their business as University employees or officials. Attorneys seeking to discuss legal matters concerning the University should contact the Office of Legal Affairs and should not directly contact SMU employees about University legal matters. All University employees and officials must report to the OLA whenever they become aware of legal action against the University.