Areas of Practice
The Office of the Vice President and General Counsel is responsible for all legal matters affecting Villanova University. Below are many of the categories of responsibility with their corresponding attorney name(s). These listings are for reference only. The attorney listed first for an area is ordinarily the primary contact, however, you should feel free to contact any attorney in the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel for assistance with your legal questions. If another attorney is better able to answer your question or help you, the attorney you contact will refer you to that attorney.
Please click on the attorney's name to contact that them via email:
Corporate Governance
The General Counsel advises on the operation of the University in accordance with its governing documents and in compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements applicable to its activities. Key topics include the application of Villanova’s governing documents, maintaining Villanova’s non-profit status, conflicts of interest and commitment, signature delegation, and Villanova’s Standards of Business Conduct.
Contact:
Law Enforcement/Criminal Law/Subpoenas
The attorneys in the Law Enforcement/Criminal Law practice area advise on legal issues related to the investigation and processing of criminal matters involving the Villanova community and responding to inquiries from local, state and federal law enforcement entities. The attorneys also advise on state and federal regulatory compliance and reporting obligations involving criminal conduct, Title IX, child abuse, allegations of hazing and processing subpoenas and search warrants served on University property.
Contact:
Digital Media/Information Technology Law
The attorneys in the Digital Media/Information Technology Law practice area advise on legal issues related to the use of computers and the Internet. Key topics include information security; privacy; digital dissemination of Villanova intellectual property; use of and access to digital resources; online expression and conduct; and electronic records management.
Contact:
Environmental Health & Safety
The attorneys in the Environmental Health & Safety practice area advise on matters pertaining to physical safety of individuals on campus, including compliance with legal mandates for safety and reducing risk, and interfacing with enforcement authorities as appropriate. Key topics include laboratory and workplace safety, controlled substance and hazardous waste management, and radiation and chemical safety.
Contact:
Health Law
The attorneys in the Health Law practice area advise on a broad range of issues that impact medical education, research and clinical care. Key topics include regulatory compliance, clinical placements and liability, licensure and accreditation, sponsored research, and clinical trials.
Contact:
Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer
The attorneys in the Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer practice area advise on matters related to the University’s intellectual property rights and assets, including copyrights, patents, and trademarks. Key topics include the licensing and acquisition of third-party content, infringement, fair use, digitization, publishing, privacy, the commercialization of university-generated technology and startup establishment.
Contact:
International/Immigration
The attorneys and staff in the International/Immigration practice area provide legal advice and compliance support for activities abroad as well as those on campus that involve foreign persons, companies, or governments. Key topics include the application of U.S. and foreign labor, tax, and entity laws; prohibited transactions; and the establishment of academic or other collaborations whether by MOUs or otherwise.
Contact:
Investments
The attorneys in the Investments practice area provide legal and compliance advice to the University’s Investments Office related to the management of the Villanova Endowment. Key topics include foreign, federal and state securities and tax laws; retention and oversight of third-party investment managers; and reporting and disclosure requirements to government agencies and counterparties.
Contact:
Labor/Employment
The attorneys in the Labor/Employment practice area advise on legal issues affecting Villanova faculty and staff. Key topics include labor negotiations and agreements, grievances and arbitrations, best practices, faculty appointments, staffing and personnel issues, compliance with federal and state employment laws, employee benefits, complaints of discrimination and harassment, accommodations for disabilities and workplace safety.
Contact:
Litigation/Insurance
The attorneys and other professionals in the Litigation and Insurance practice area are responsible for managing all litigation affecting the University and work with outside counsel as needed. These attorneys also work with the Office of Insurance and Risk Management on matters relating to the University’s insurance policies and coverage.
Contact:
NCAA Compliance/Athletics
The attorneys and other professionals in the NCAA Compliance/Athletics practice area advise on issues relating to Villanova’s participation in Division I, NCAA sports, the administration of our athletic programs and the academic, financial and auxiliary services provided to our student athletes.
Contact:
Real Estate/Construction
The attorneys and other professionals in the Real Estate practice area advise on issues relating to the ownership, management, and use of University property and facilities. Key topics include maintenance of buildings and grounds, operation of utilities, construction and alteration of buildings, zoning issues, acquisition and disposition of property and litigation involving real estate.
Contact:
Research
The attorneys in the Research practice area provide advice pertaining to Villanova’s research activities. Key topics include compliance program, federal and state regulation, sponsored grants and contracts, collaborations with corporations and research institutions, MOUs regarding research activities, clinical trial agreements, material transfer and the donation of equipment or software.
Contact:
Student & Academic Affairs
The attorneys in the Student & Academic Affairs practice area advise on issues affecting undergraduate students, the graduate schools, and the professional schools. Key topics include admissions, student records and privacy, disabilities and accommodations, discrimination and sexual misconduct, student discipline, student complaint procedures, and community safety and crime reporting.
Contact:
Trust & Estate/Development
The attorneys in the Trusts & Estates/Development practice area advise on issues related to the making and stewardship of individual and institutional gifts. Key topics include compliance with fiduciary obligations, federal and state tax reporting, restricted giving, structured gifts and funds administration.
Contact:
Contracts/Transactional Matters/Requests for Proposals
The attorneys in the Contracts/Transactional Matters/Requests for Proposals practice area advise on issues related to the review, drafting and negotiation of contracts, agreements, or financial commitments in accordance with the Villanova University Approval, Signing Authority and Contract Review Procedure and the preparation of Requests for Proposals.
Contact: