Attorneys and Staff

The Office of General Counsel provides assistance in the areas listed below:

Michael Norton,   General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer Governance and Compliance University Policy International Collaborations Data Security Athletics First Amendment/Free Speech	Paula K. DeAngelo, Deputy General Counsel Procurement and Business Transactions Real Estate and Facility Use Academic Collaborations International Initiatives
Barbara Biederman, Associate General Counsel Research Agreements Fee for Service Agreements Patent, Copyright, Trademark Unmanned Aerial Systems/Drones Conflict of Interest Export Controls	Brett Lohoefener, Associate General Counsel Student Affairs (academics, conduct, organizations, FERPA/privacy, residence life, health & wellness, study abroad) Risk and Compliance Management Accessibility and Accommodations Civil Rights (non-discrimination, anti-harassment, non-retaliation, Title IX) Subpoenas, Courts Orders, Tort Claims
Heather Smith, Associate General Counsel Labor and Employment Faculty Personnel Discrimination and Title VII Disability - Employee	Jane Morris, General Counsel Ames Laboratory Contract and Regulatory Matters Risk and Compliance Management Procurement Transactions Technology Transfer Activities
Ann Lelis, Paralegal   Public Records Officer Policy Administration Records Management	Melanie Rogotzke, Office Manager Administrative support to Michael Norton Budget reporting Claim reporting

Iowa Department of Justice

The Iowa Department of Justice handles litigation in court for ISU and provides advice to the Iowa Board of Regents.  The Office of General Counsel coordinates and works with the Department of Justice on university litigation.

DOJ staff handling matters for ISU include:

• Solicitor General, Jeff Thompson
• Assistant Attorney General, Kayla Burkhiser Reynolds
• Assistant Attorney General, Christopher Deist

On matters involving personal injury or property damage, members of the Iowa Department of Justice Special Litigation Division may represent the University.

If you have a question regarding whether a matter is being handled by the Iowa Department of Justice, please contact the Office of General Counsel.

Private Counsel

From time to time, the University will hire lawyers in private practice to advise or represent the University.  Such attorneys are hired most often in specialized areas of law such as intellectual property, broadcasting, benefits and federal taxation.  OGC negotiates agreements with outside counsel and oversees their work.

Hiring of outside attorneys requires consultation with the Office of General Counsel. (See Legal Counsel, Policy Library)  If you believe your unit requires specialized legal advice, please consult with us.

We can also answer questions whether a private attorney has been retained by the University.