Title:	Selection of Outside Legal Counsel
Policy Owner:	General Counsel’s Office
Applies to:	Legal Counsel
Campus Applicability:	All Campuses, including UConn Health
Effective Date:	January 27, 2016
For More Information, Contact	General Counsel
Contact Information:	(860) 486-5796
Official Website:	http://generalcounsel.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

When state agencies and constituent units require outside legal counsel (“Outside Counsel”), it has been the general practice of the Office of the Attorney General to select, and contract with, Outside Counsel.

The University of Connecticut 2000 Act (“UConn 2000”), General Statutes §§10a-109a through 10a-109y, authorizes the University to select outside, private legal counsel, in consultation with the Attorney General, in connection with the construction, operation and maintenance of any UConn 2000 project.  The UConn 2000 Act specifies that the Board of Trustees shall determine the effective and efficient method or methods of obtaining legal services. Sections 10a-109d(a)(5) and 10a-109n(e)(4)(F). This policy defines the method approved by the Board of Trustees for the selection of Outside Counsel pursuant to statute and in other circumstances where the University may select Outside Counsel on its own behalf. Other circumstances include when the required legal services are in conjunction with labor relations matters.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to the University’s selection of Outside Counsel in connection with any UConn 2000 project and in other situations where the University has the ability to select Outside Counsel.

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the University of Connecticut that when the University seeks Outside Counsel,  the determination of whether to engage Outside Counsel and the selection of counsel shall be made by the University’s Vice President and General Counsel in consultation with the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer or their respective successors in function.

The process for the selection of Outside Counsel shall be consistent with applicable statutory requirements for the procurement of professional services. Cost of services shall be considered as one of the criteria, but cost shall not be the sole consideration.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

Policy Created: July 1995*

Policy Revised: August 8, 2012*

January 27, 2016*

*Approved by the Board of Trustees

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