The Office of the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel represents the interests of Oakland University on all legal matters, provides legal counsel to the Board of Trustees and the President, and prepares, coordinates and supervises the legal defense and prosecution of lawsuits and other legal actions for the University.  The Office also represents the University before federal, state and local government agencies.

The Office provides legal advice and counsel to the University's Board of Trustees, President, Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff as appropriate, on a variety of legal matters including student and employment law, employment benefits, health care law, research, intellectual property and technology transfer, immigration, constitutional law, construction, real property, administrative law, athletics, risk management, contracts, business matters, and governmental regulation issues.  The Office also reviews, approves, and drafts contracts and develops University policies and procedures involving legal matters.

The Office does not give personal legal advice to faculty, staff, or students.

The University's Freedom of Information Act Coordinator is an Assistant General Counsel.