Access to Legal Services and Interaction with Other Offices
ALS has an "open door" policy of access by employees of UW-Madison who have legal questions arising in the course and scope of their employment. Under the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules regulating attorneys practicing in Wisconsin, ALS attorneys represent the university as an institutional entity. This is accomplished by providing representation to the university's employees acting on its behalf. This means that university employees dealing with institutional matters may seek advice and counsel without the need for a dean, director, or vice chancellor's approval (unless, of course, that dean, director, or vice chancellor insists). Personal legal advice is not provided.
ALS also works closely with a number of other offices, especially on personnel-related matters such as grievances, claims of discrimination, hiring, discipline, and termination. Among them are the offices of Human Resources, Employee Assistance, and the Equity and Diversity Resource Center. Staffing for certain standing committees is also provided.