Page 9 - OGC Annual Report 2020

The work for DAP continues to grow both in volume and complexity. Between FY17-FY19, DAP received 2,003 data requests, an average of 668 data requests per year. In FY20, DAP received an all-time high of 1,095 data requests which represented an increase of 32% over FY19. In addition to an increasing volume of data requests, an ever-changing legal landscape shaped by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and numerous federal privacy laws continues to add to the complexity of honoring the University’s obligations to both protect private data and provide public access. In the coming year, DAP will perform a comprehensive review of the University’s Public Access to University Information policy and procedures which will improve our efforts to efficiently and appropriately respond to data requests and enhance transparency.
Use of Outside Counsel
OGC handles most of the University’s legal needs with internal resources. Besides the substantial economy that comes with an in-house legal department, the quality of legal services the University receives is enhanced by OGC’s comprehensive knowledge of the University’s unique structure, operations, strategic priorities, and mission. OGC does retain outside counsel, however, when needed for specialized expertise or additional resources on a particular matter are necessary.
For example, the University regularly retains outside counsel for patent prosecution services. We value the advice the University receives from outside counsel and appreciate their professionalism as they honor our expectation that they carry the University’s mission and value as they go about their work on the University’s behalf.
OGC Staff Professional and Community Service
OGC staff hold many leadership roles in professional organizations as well as volunteering their time to various non-profit, community and public service institutions:
Don Amundson NACUA Board of Directors; NACUA Finance and Audit Committee, Vice Chair Laurie Beyer-Kropuenske Minnesota Department of Health’s Privacy and Security Work Group of the
eHealth Advisory Committee, Co-chair
Jeremiah Carter NCAA Legislative Committee
Shelley Carthen Watson Athletics W.I.L.L. Program; MN Black Women Lawyers Board; Of Interest for
Others Board; YWCA of St. Paul Board; Jack and Jill of America Associates Chair; Minneapolis-St. Paul
Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Whitney Geiger Warrior 196 Volunteer Coordinator
Meredith Gingold UMN Aurora Center, Direct Service Advocate; Minnesota Women Lawyers’ Pay Equity
Subcommittee Member
Dan Herber Volunteer Lawyers Network Board of Directors; Minnesota Law Review Alumni Advisory Board Susan Kratz American Lung Association Minnesota Board; Editorial Board Member for American Health
Lawyers Association Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law
Diane Krawczynski Waite Park Community Council Board; Hennepin County Master Gardener; Special
Olympics Volunteer
Ruilin Li UMN China Center Advisory Council; China Center’s External Review Committee
Doug Peterson Minnesota Board of Law Examiners, President
Tim Pramas Taught Law School classes “Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Moot Court” and “Law in Practice;”
Neighborhood House Volunteer, food shelf collection and organization
Carrie Ryan Gallia Girl Scout Troop Leader and Cookie Mom; Teaches legal writing and judicial opinion
writing at the University of Minnesota Law School
Paul Savereide Pipe Major, Minnesota Police Pipe Band; Church Council Vice President, Immanuel
Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie
Karen Wagner Interim President of the Higher Education Legal Managers; Vice Chair of the City of
New Brighton Public Safety Commission Amanda Weddle Walker Art Center Volunteer
Outside Counsel Distribution
Litigation
■ Patent
■ Contract
■ Environment ■ Employment ■ Other/General ■ Student
62.62% 22.34% 12.04%
2.41% 0.39% 0.20%
■ Real Estate/Tax ■ Other
5.49% 1.77%
Non-Litigation
■ Immigration
■ Research
■ Employment/Labor/
Compliance
■ Health Care
■ Intellectual Properties 9.28%
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 9
26.97% 22.82%
21.12% 12.54%