FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What if I've received a summons or subpeona?
The Office of the General Counsel is the registered agent for Northeastern University, meaning that all subpoenas must be served on the registered agent and may not be directed to any other department. The Office of the General Counsel is the only department in the University that is authorized to accept service of civil subpoenas for the University. (The Department of Public Safety may accept subpoenas for criminal matters in which it is involved.) Subpoenas delivered to any other department will be treated as invalid.
The University accepts subpoenas served in accordance with court rules that apply in Massachusetts. Transmittal of subpoenas by fax or email is not acceptable. If you have any questions about serving a subpoena at the University, please contact our office at (617) 373-2157.
A subpoena is an official court document that may require the recipient to appear in court, and often to produce documents. If you are served with a subpoena in your capacity as an employee of the University, please inform the server that you are not authorized to receive it and ask that he or she bring it directly to the Office of the General Counsel, 716 Columbus Ave, Suite 301C.
Once we receive the subpoena, we may ask your department to produce certain records or other information requested in the subpoena. Generally, the Office of the Registrar facilitates this process, and may also ask you for documents. We ask that you please cooperate with the Registrar and respond quickly. If you have any questions about requests, please feel free to contact our office.
If you are contacted by an attorney, please refer him or her to the Office of the General Counsel.
What if I'm asked for information as part of a 'background check'?
Should I sign a non-disclosure agreement?
What if I've received a letter, e-mail, call or other contact from an attorney outside the University?
What if I'm contacted by an agency investigator, private detective, or process server?
I have a student who appears to need legal representation in a personal matter. Can the Office of the General Counsel represent the student?
Can my department hire an attorney for department or university related functions without consulting with the Office of the General Counsel?
What if I've received a letter seeking University records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)?
What if I'm exporting/importing materials from another country?
A state inspector stopped by my work area and asked what chemicals I work with and where they are stored.

Contact Us
Office of the General Counsel
360 Huntington Avenue – 301 CP
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Phone: 617-373-2157
Fax: 617-373-8090