Legal Review of Contracts

In addition to making good business sense, a contract must also make good legal sense. It is in the University's best interest to have the contract undergo a thorough business review and a thorough legal review. You will negotiate contracts to obtain optimal terms and conditions, such as in price and service, and the General Counsel's office will negotiate contracts to obtain optimal legal terms, such as indemnification and jurisdiction. Board of Trustees policies designate when legal review and approval of contracts must be obtained. (Board Approved Policy, Section 4-1, Contracting Policy, Section 4-110)

• All contracts or expenditures exceeding $100,000 must be reviewed by the University General Counsel's Office or the Board of Trustees' Board Counsel prior to execution.
• Contracts not exceeding $100,000 may, but are not required to, be submitted for legal review by the contracting officer (the President or Vice President for Administration and Finance or his or her designee).
• All contracts with a "foreign entity" must be reviewed by the University General Counsel's Office or Board Counsel.
• All settlements or agreements relating to employment disputes or labor matters must be reviewed by the University General Counsel's Office.
• Contracts involving federal, state or private grants involving an amount greater than or equal to $250,000

If you wish to have a contract reviewed, or are required to do so, you may contact the General Counsel's office at 591-3894 for assistance.