OCG represents Occidental College as an institution, and its attorneys only work on College-related matters.
Stakeholders - including faculty, staff, and administrators - are encouraged to contact OGC as early as possible to discuss matters where they believe legal issues may arise. Early intervention and consultation can help reduce legal risks.
OGC does not represent or advise individuals in personal legal matters (such as personal contracts, family, or bankruptcy) or where their interests may be adverse to Occidental. For personal legal advice, employees and students should consult a private attorney. Upon request, we will attempt to offer you a referral to a qualified attorney who can provide you with personal legal advice.
Retaining Outside Counsel
Only the General Counsel can retain outside attorneys to represent or provide legal services for Occidental College, or authorize others to do so. The General Counsel is responsible for selecting and engaging outside counsel in consideration of factors such as cost, insurance, specialized subject matter, and potential conflicts of interest.
Stakeholders who believe specialized legal counsel is needed for a College-related issue should contact OGC. Stakeholders should never contact outside counsel concerning any College business without prior approval from OGC, and the General Counsel should be copied on all communications with outside counsel once retained.
Indemnification of Occidental employees
Occidental generally provides a legal defense and indemnification to College employees acting in good faith and within the scope of their employment duties and authority, consistent with Labor Code Section 2802. All such matters must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to confirm eligibility for indemnification. Consistent with the By-Laws of Occidental College, individuals will be indemnified as required by law or approved by resolution of the Board of Trustees.
Occidental also represents and indemnifies individual trustees and officers of the College to the fullest extent permitted under the California Corporations Code, Section 5238.