Agent TypeOrganisationHistoryPrevious Control Number: UA181 Also known as Office of the Solicitor, this office existed as far back as at least 1971, possibly earlier. In earlier years the University Solicitor reported to the Registrar. In 1986 and 1993-1994 (and probably in between) the University Solicitor reported to the Registrar (Academic). In later years, the position reported to the Director, Executive Services. Until 1996 the University Solicitor's Office operated as a predominantly in-house legal service to the University, with three solicitors reporting to the University Solicitor and with two administrative assistants. In 1996 the decision was made to outsource the bulk of the work to a panel of solicitors. The University Solicitor was retained to deal with the internal matters predominantly University legislation and regulations, and to manage the allocation of work to outside solicitors. Legal work on research contracts and intellectual property was outsourced to the then-titled Melbourne Research Enterprises. In 1998 a General University Costs review committee recognised the necessary processes to achieved cost efficiency and effectiveness were not able to be instituted with the resources available and they recommended that consideration be given to employing another solicitor in the office, and priority be given to a process whereby work be outsourced only as appropriate and that outsourcing be subject to cost control measures. Michael Dean commenced work as the Director, Legal Services by 15 September 1999, and initially his role was to establish an efficient in-house legal advice service which would incorporate management of outsourced legal work as appropriate. This appears to coincide with the change of name of the unit, as well as the change in emphasis of the unit's work. By 2014 the unit's name was General Counsel and Legal Services.
University of Melbourne Solicitor's Office. University of Melbourne Archives, accessed 16/02/2026, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/62609
