General Counsel

The role of the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is to advise the District Board of Trustees, President, President’s Cabinet, and all areas of the College with legal advice and represent the College in legal matters.

The OGC will also provide advice regarding faculty governance and student academic issues, and professionalism issues, and will monitor any attempt to resolve a dispute which may lead to litigation. Listed below are some of the other functions that the OGC provides to the Florida SouthWestern State College:

  • Develop, revise, interpret, official college policies
  • Develop, maintain, and implement official college policies
  • Provide counsel, guidance, and advice on contracts, legal documents, and business agreements
  • Approve contracts and agreements prior to execution
  • Conduct legal research and provide legal guidance
  • Assist outside counsel hired to represent the college in litigation or to provide special expertise on complex legal matters
  • Provide legal analysis of polices, state and federal statutes, and other issues affecting the College
  • Ensure that the College conducts business according to the applicable federal and state laws and regulations
  • Ensure compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law and Public Records Laws
  • Provide counsel, guidance, and advice for insurance and risk management matters
  • Coordinate, track, and respond to subpoenas, court orders, public records, and other requests
  • Provide counsel and guidance to the College’s Direct Support Organizations (DSO)

Contact Information

Carl Joseph “Joe” Coleman 239-489-9010

General Contact Number 239-489-9295