What we do
The Office of General Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the University, offering strategic legal counsel to the Board of Governors, University President, and senior management. Our responsibilities include providing guidance on legal matters such as liability, contracts, insurance, and intellectual property.
The Office of General Counsel also oversees compliance with privacy and access legislation, and liaises with external legal services. Additionally, General Counsel is a member of the President's executive team, offering broad oversight and leadership in legal affairs while actively engaging with campus leaders.
The Office of General Counsel’s sole client is the University. We are unable to provide legal advice or legal services to employees about their personal circumstances (for example, giving advice on the employee’s family law matters, notarizing documents that are unrelated to the employee’s job responsibilities at UFV).
The duty of confidentiality is a duty owed to the institution and not to any individual. If at any time a conflict of interest arises between UFV and an employee, the lawyers working within the Office of General Counsel will represent UFV.
If someone asks you to accept legal papers on behalf of UFV, you should refuse to accept them. Direct the person to the Office of General Counsel or by email at legal@ufv.ca.
