The Office of the University Attorney provides comprehensive legal advice and counsel to East Carolina University. It provides those services regarding University matters to the Chancellor, the Board of Trustees of East Carolina University, the principal administrators of the University, and through them, to faculty, staff, and students of East Carolina University.

The University Attorney's Office advises the University concerning the legal implications of proposed policies and actions, counsels the University as to compliance with State and federal laws (including EEO matters, the ADA, Campus Security Act, etc.) and administrative regulations, drafts and/or reviews University contracts, and advises and coordinates a wide variety of legal matters to include employment, health care, real, personal, and intellectual property interests.

The University Attorneys serve as advisors to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees on legal matters involving the University. They do not advise administrators, faculty, staff, or students on any personal matters. Questions about the scope of legal representation should be directed to Donna Gooden Payne, University Attorney.  She can be reached at 252.328.6940 or at her email address: payned@ecu.edu.  For personal legal advice, employees should consult with a private attorney. Students seeking legal advice should contact the Student Government Association at (252) 328-4726, or a private attorney.