Legal Services Office

Costs

Normally, University institutions will not be charged for the work of the Legal Services Office itself, although exceptionally (where, for example, the Office is engaged on a lengthy project for a particular institution) a charge may be made.

Where legal advice is sought externally and is concerned specifically with the affairs of a single University institution or a small group of institutions, the cost will normally fall there, not on central funds.

The cost basis of external legal advice will therefore normally need to be established before it is sought.

The same principles apply to the cost of litigation brought by the University. If litigation is taken against the University the assignment of the cost will be determined case by case, and, if the litigation relates particularly to the conduct of an individual institution or a small group of institutions, the Council may determine that the cost should fall there. In particular, Departments are expected to meet the costs from any breaches of contract or other legal costs arising in respect of contracts entered into by or on behalf of the Head of Department.