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Our role

About the Office of General Counsel (OGC)

Our role

The OGC is responsible for the provision of legal services to the University, including providing legal advice to the Senate, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, senior executives and other officers of the University and co-ordinating any external legal services provided to the University.

The purpose of the OGC is to provide high quality legal services, and to actively contribute to the University achieving its "1:5:40" strategic goals. Advice given by the OGC must reflect a real understanding of the policies and values of the University, and of the dynamics of the higher education sector.

The OGC is committed to effectively responding to the legal needs of University clients and to responding to requests for advice in a timely and cost effective manner.

The OGC has a proactive role in identifying and reducing legal risk, and in promoting a culture of "doing the right thing" throughout the University. It also keeps the University community informed of relevant legal developments and is involved in the formation and review of University statutes, policies and procedures.

The OGC is responsible for its operating budget, and for the legal expense overheads account of the University. General Counsel reports to the Vice-Chancellor.

Lawyers in the OGC:

  • provide oral and written legal advice in relation to University matters, including in relation to the University's compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements;
  • negotiate, draft and review legal documents for the purpose of enhancing and protecting the University's interests;
  • use alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve or facilitate the resolution of disputes and potential disputes between the University and third parties;
  • identify and advise the University in relation to new or amended legislation and case law which may impact on University policies and practices; and
  • conduct or participate in presentations on relevant legal topics throughout the University.

Lawyers in the OGC are expected to serve the best interests of the University but also to comply with the standards of conduct required of members of the legal profession.

The OGC does not provide legal services of a personal nature to staff or students. The Students' Representative Council provides a free legal service (through Redfern Legal Centre) for undergraduate students and the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association may be able to arrange legal assistance for postgraduate students.

How to request legal services

All requests for legal services should be directed in writing to the General Counsel by the head of an academic or administrative unit.

As a general guide, written requests for advice or services should:

  • provide as much background information as possible in relation to the request for advice, including the relevant facts and context of the matter;
  • attach copies of all the relevant documents;
  • be marked and treated as "confidential"; and
  • set out the timeframe in which the advice is required (this will assist us in prioritising our work).

We will respond to any urgent or initial inquiries by telephone on (02) 9036 5277 in the first instance.

All requests for advice from and communications with external legal counsel must be conducted by the OGC. Under the Delegations of Authority - Administrative Functions the authority to appoint external lawyers to advise in relation to matters relevant to the University or any aspect of its operations or to act on behalf of the University in relation to any matter is delegated to the General Counsel (See Section 4.12).

The Delegations of Authority - Adminsitrative Functions which are in effect from 1 June 2005, lists other University officers who have delegated authority to appoint external lawyers, in consultation with General Counsel.

Group Secretary

The University has established the Group Secretarial Office within the Office of General Counsel as one measure to assist the University improve our corporate governance and enhance our ability to manage and support Regulated Entities such as institutes, foundations, centres, student organisations and corporate subsidiaries.

The role of this office is to:

  • Coordinate production of information relating to the performance and operation of Regulated Entities.
  • Act as the company secretary for those Regulated Entities which do not otherwise have access to such support.
  • Provide advice concerning corporate governance, corporate law, instruments that govern the operation of Regulated Entities and administration of Regulated Entities.
  • Provide technical assistance for non-GSO staff involved in fulfilling duties for which GSO has responsibility.

It is hoped the establishment of the GSO will increase the quality and availability of support for and information about Regulated Entities; improve decisions about, and by these entities; and lead to better risk management and increased compliance with regulatory requirements.

It is also hoped that those Regulated Entities which engage with the community will be assisted in being able to do so more effectively.

The Group Secretary operates an internal register of entities and shared workspace site at
https://workspaces.usyd.edu.au/ogc/gsw/default.aspx. Please contact the Group Secretary, Alex Maitland regarding internal access.

Other sources of help within the University

The University has a number of other offices and resources that provide specialist assistance on legally-related issues. You should refer to these in the first instance.