Legal Services
The University Secretary and General Counsel is responsible for managing the legal affairs of the University and for the provision of all legal services, advice and representation for matters involving the University, in accordance with the Legal Resources Policy.
As the university’s General Counsel, Claire Milton, K.C. is responsible for protecting the University’s legal interests and maintaining its operations within the scope established by law. Claire acts as the university’s counsel on the entire spectrum of legal, strategic and risk issues.
With a focus on finding practical solutions to legal and operational issues, Claire’s mission is to provide full service legal advice to the university, including the Board of Governors, the Senate, and university leaders with respect to their duties, applicable law, regulations, and policies, to ensure good governance, risk management, and sound decision making.
Access to legal services required in relation to the following general areas is available:
- Administrative and operational matters;
- Capital or major projects;
- Employment and labour relations;
- Legislative interpretation;
- Preparation and/or review of policies for legal compliance;
- Preparation and/or review of contractual matters for legal compliance;
- Litigation management;
- Strategic governance initiatives with respect to legal implications; and
- Compliance with legal requirements.
Prior to joining Saint Mary’s University in 2018, Claire has practiced law in two major Halifax-based law firms and served as general counsel and secretary to a major publicly traded Canadian company. She has practiced corporate-commercial law since 1991, earned her King’s Counsel designation in 2010, an ICD.D credential in 2008, and has served on several boards, including the board of governors of Mount Saint Vincent University and the board of directors of the Canadian University Boards Association.
Claire holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Saint Mary’s University, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University (now the Schulich School of Law).
Important Notes:
- Legal review is mandatory for most contracts prior to obtaining an authorized signature.
- All correspondence addressed to the University from external law firms must be timely forwarded to the office of the General Counsel.
Notary Services
Claire Milton is a Notary Public and is available to notarize documents related to university business.
Personal Legal Representation
Please note that the General Counsel does not provide personal legal advice or representation to students, faculty members, staff members, or members of the public, including notary services.
Those seeking personal advice or representation are encouraged to contact a private law firm or the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Office.
Students seeking assistance with appeal or disciplinary proceedings may wish to contact the Saint Mary’s University Students Association for advice and/or representation at vpadvocacy.smusa@smu.ca. Information is also available from the Academic Integrity Administrator at academicregulations@smu.ca.