About the Office of General Counsel
The Office of General Counsel provides legal counsel and representation to Kansas State University on all legal matters.
Our Mission
We serve as legal counsel to our client, the University. We empower the University’s teaching, research, and service mission in accordance with legal obligations, policy requirements, and best practices applicable to public research and land-grant universities. We proactively identify and mitigate risk and respond to the University’s legal needs. We engage collaboratively and creatively to provide practical, timely solutions.
Our Role
We provide and coordinate all legal services for Kansas State University. In carrying out our responsibility to the University, the Office General Counsel provides a broad range of preventive and responsive legal services, including the preparation of legal documents, review of University policies and agreements, representation of the University in legal and administrative actions, delivery of legal resources and presentations to University decision makers, and provision of specialized legal and strategic advice to those who administer the affairs of the University and its affiliates.
Who We Serve
The University is our client, and it is to the University that we owe the duties of loyalty, confidentiality, and advocacy.
- All University Campuses, Colleges, and Academic Units. Our service to the University includes all colleges and academic units across our three physical campuses in Manhattan, Olathe, and Salina, in addition to our statewide Research and Extension.
- The University’s Controlled Affiliates. We serve as counsel to the University’s controlled affiliates, including the K-State University Research Foundation, K-State Athletics Inc, The K-State Union Corporation, K-State - Olathe Innovation Campus Inc, Kansas State University Veterinary Clinical Outreach Inc, and Diagnostic Services of Kansas State Inc.
- University Employees, in Their Official Capacity. We provide counsel to University faculty, staff, and administrators relating to their work as University employees. The University will defend its employees against claims arising within the scope of their employment when the employee’s acts are in accordance with applicable University policies, procedures, and protocols. Such defense is available to student–employees, affiliate employees, and University employees for matters arising within the course and scope of their employment and is in accordance with and subject to the Kansas Tort Claims Act.
Our office does not serve as legal counsel for the University’s uncontrolled affiliates or their employees, including but not limited to the Kansas State University Foundation, the K-State Alumni Association, and Student Publications Inc. (d/b/a Collegian Media Group). Similarly, we are not permitted to represent County and District Extension Boards and their employees.
We cannot give legal advice to University employees or students for personal matters. The Kansas Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service may provide referrals for personal legal services. Students may take advantage of Student Legal Services, located in 201 Holton Hall.
DISCLAIMER: The materials presented here are for general informational purposes only. Nothing contained within this site and related links may be construed as legal advice from the K-State Office of General Counsel. Laws, regulations and policies change frequently. Legal advice can be provided only in the course of an attorney-client relationship with reference to all of the facts of a specific situation. This information, therefore, must not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney. If you have legal questions or need legal advice pertaining to University matters, please contact the Office of General Counsel directly.