Georgia State University Office of Legal Affairs (OLA)

OLA provides legal advice to the University faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders while they are acting on the University’s behalf. On these pages you will find information regarding the services provided by our office, and the people who provide these services. Please see our Mission Statement.
All University personnel are encouraged to contact our office for assistance on matters affecting the University. However, the office cannot provide legal advice or representation to members of the University community in connection with matters against the University’s interests or with any personal matters.

Services & Resources

Legal Services

OLA provides legal counsel to Georgia State University including all of its Units, Departments and cooperative organizations (i.e., Research Foundation, Foundation, Athletic Association, and Alumni Association). OLA advises these entities’ administrators, faculty, and staff, in their official capacities, on various issues impacting the University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common legal questions regarding use of alcohol, business, intellectual property, real estate, student issues and other topics.

Intellectual Property

The University’s Intellectual Property Policy applies to all persons creating intellectual property at Georgia State University, including students and all employees, including but not limited to faculty and staff and any persons receiving compensation or funding from or administered by the University. Intellectual Property addressed includes patentable inventions, biological materials, copyrighted materials, software, and trade secrets, whether or not formal protection is sought.

Policies & Procedures

University-wide policies are cataloged in a central repository that is searchable by category, key word, and title. There are currently about 250 individual university-wide policies. Visit the University Policy Library to learn more.

Finding a Personal Attorney

OLA cannot provide legal advice or representation to members of the University community in connection with matters against the University’s interests or with any personal matters. If you are interested in finding an attorney to represent you in a personal matter, these resources may be helpful.

Disclaimer

Nothing contained within this site should be construed as “legal advice” from the Office of Legal Affairs. Users should always consult with appropriate licensed counsel if legal issues are involved. The materials presented are for informational purposes only and for internal use by Georgia State University. Unless otherwise indicated, information on this site does not change or affect any policy, regulation or rule of Georgia State University or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.