The Office of General Counsel manages the legal affairs of the university. We provide legal counsel, litigation and legal risk management, contract drafting and review, compliance oversight and preventative advice to Lipscomb University. The Office of General Counsel provides counsel in decision making in all areas of the university, including: the Board of Trustees when requested; the President, Vice Presidents and Provost, Deans and Directors; faculty, supervisors and other employees acting in their capacity as employees; and student organization leaders regarding contracts and, in limited circumstances, legal issues confronting their organizations. We represent the university in all legal matters, administrative and regulatory hearings, and local business, property and other concerns.

Some examples of the types of legal services provided by the General Counsel to the university include:

• Reviewing, drafting, negotiating and enforcing legal documents such as contracts, conveyances, internal policies and procedures, licenses, and gift documents;
• Litigation management;
• Working with departments during audits, investigations, and other compliance reviews;
• Advising and assisting with property matters, personnel and EEO matters, insurance and risk management, tax and business issues, and patent, trademark and copyright issues; and
• Participating in student, faculty and staff grievance and disciplinary proceedings.
• Estate planning and probate matters for university patrons.
• Neighborhood liaison.

The General Counsel reports to the President of the university. The General Counsel oversees the Office of Campus Security and Safety and  Office of Risk Management, and is responsible for Environmental Health and Safety and insurance for the university. The General Counsel's Office is located in Crisman Administration Building Room 313. You may contact the office by e-mailing phil.ellenburg@lipscomb.edu or by phone at 615.966.6217 or 800.333.4358, ext. 6217. You may also write: