Legal Support

We advise University staff on a range of legal issues that arise from the University's diverse learning, teaching and research endeavours - from the very simple to the very complex.  The Legal and Risk team is experienced and highly qualified.  We are focussed on positive, pragmatic outcomes.  

Key areas of input

“In-house counsel”
We provide general advice on legal, business and related compliance issues, help explore options and offer recommendations about the best course of action. We provide guidance on when to outsource professional services.  We also assist and manage engagement of these professionals and ongoing communications with them.

(We do not advise on personal legal matters.  Staff and students must seek independent legal advice in such instances.)

Contracts and agreements
We provide advice on contractual arrangements, prepare or review contract documents, help you manage obligations under contracts, and assist with planning and preparation, specification and performance, reviews, acquittal, renewal or termination.  These contracts and agreements might include acquisitions, property, contracts with government and private sector, joint venture and other collaboration arrangements for all faculties.

We also provide assistance and support in the operation of the Contracts and Agreements Policy. An enterprise wide Contract Management Framework is under development, to be rolled out across the University in the first half of 2009.  

For further information, see the Copyright Website or contact: Geraldine Haese  (University Legal Counsel) on 830 35244

International agreements
We assist in the range of agreements and contracts for our students studying overseas, students articulating to our University, twinning arrangements, student exchanges, joint badging, staff exchanges, MOUs and other arrangements (like alliances and collaborations) with other institutions.

Claims and dispute resolution and management
We provide strategic and tactical but practical advice and guidance directly to you or to professionals you have engaged.  We offer case management and representation in tribunals and courts and actively seek to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.

Executive Support
Sometimes it is not clear whether there is an issue or not.  Often the nature of existence of an issue can be clarified by talking through with someone else or by simply having an opportunity to affirm your own view.  Confidential advice is available from any of us and where necessary, legal professional privileged discussions are available from any of our legal counsel.

Training and Education
Either directly or in consultation with the Centre for Learning and Professional Development, we provide training and education workshops on:

• Contracts
• Compliance
• Insurance obligations and contract clauses
• Risk management
• Fraud prevention and control
• Directors’ roles and duties
• Conflict of interest and governance

For general enquiries, please contact:

helpdesklegal@adelaide.edu.au or phone (08) 8303 4539

For further assistance, please contact:

Celine McInerney (General Counsel) on 830 36080

Kim Evans (Senior Legal Counsel - International) on 830 36103

Geraldine Haese (University Legal Counsel) on 830 35244