Frequently Asked Questions

Note: this section is intended to provide members of the university community with general information only.

This information is not legal advice. If you require legal advice on University matters please contact the Department of Legal Services.

The Department of Legal Services provides legal advice and representation to the University of Windsor. This includes academic and administrative units, senior University management, and other employees acting in their capacity as University of Windsor employees.

You may contact us by phone or email as follows:

Richard Taylor, Director of Legal Services
(519) 253-3000, Ext# 4059
richardt@uwindsor.ca

Julie Laforet, Insurance & Risk Management Officer
(519) 253-3000, Ext# 2080
jlaforet@uwindsor.ca

Michelle L. Briden, Legal Assistant
(519) 253-3000, Ext# 2096
mbriden@uwindsor.ca

No, external counsel can only be retained by the Director of Legal Services.  If you believe that counsel is needed for a particular matter, contact our Office.

Contact Richard Taylor at richardt@uwindsor.ca with your request and the specific issues you would like to know more about, and a session can be arranged.

No. The Department of Legal Services represents the University and does not provide legal advice on individual personal legal matters. The Law Society of Upper Canada’s Lawyer Referral Service or Legal Aid Ontario may be of assistance in such cases.

If you are sued in connection with doing your job, contact the Department of Legal Services, to discuss the situation.

Legal process servers should be directed to the Department of Legal Services, Room 316 - Assumption Hall.

In accordance with the University of Windsor's signing authority, the President and other senior university officials have the authority to approve and/or sign contracts and other agreements on behalf of the University for conducting University business. Note that all such documents can only be signed after proper legal approval from the Department of Legal Services.  We can help you to determine the appropriate signatory and assist in ensuring that the document is properly crafted and the required approvals secured before the contract is executed.

Documents which need to be sworn or notarized require the services of a lawyer eligible to practice in Ontario, a Commissioner of Oaths or in the case of notarized documents, a Notary Public. The Department of Legal Services, provides this service for university related business. You may call  (519) 253-3000, ext. 2096 to arrange an appointment.