About Us

Office of the General Counsel

We support the mission of the University by handling all legal matters generated by the activities of different university entities and by initiating legal action to forestall problems and manage risks. We educate our clients regarding the legal implications of policy and operational decisions, solve legal problems, and facilitate transactions in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics. The attorneys render legal advice to University Trustees, the President, officers, and administrators and represent the University in all administrative and judicial proceedings.


*The GCO is not authorized to render personal legal advice to University employees or students.*
 

Common matters requiring legal advice include:

Drafting and reviewing agreements, contracts, etc.
Interpretation of legislation, rules, regulations, policies
Drafting of University Regulations and Policies 
Response to subpoenas and other requests for documents
Drafting Delegations of Authority
Management of litigation
Intellectual property issues
Equity and discrimination matters
Conflict of interest issues
Governance questions 
Acquisition of real property  
Sunshine Law questions

Florida has a very broad public records law.  As a result, any written communication created or received by Florida Gulf Coast University employees is subject to disclosure to the public and the media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt.  Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records.  If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.  Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

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(Vacant) Vice President & General Counsel
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-590-1101
E-mail: gco@fgcu.edu
photo of Lisa Jones
Interim Vice President & General Counsel
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-745-4264
photo of David Greenbaum
Associate General Counsel
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-590-1554
photo of Tom Rinaldi
Associate General Counsel
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-590-7471
Daniel Cruz
Associate General Counsel
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-590-7112
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Director, Legal Affairs
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-590-7466
photo of Lenora Lynam
Administrative Assistant
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone:  239-590-1101
photo of Sandy Zablackas
Legal Assistant III
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-745-4427
Picture of Patrice Knudsen
Legal Assistant III
Office: Edwards Hall 114
Phone: 239-590-7037