About the Office of General Counsel

The Office of General Counsel, led by General Counsel Sima Saran Ahuja, provides advice and legal services to Marist in support of its mission and goals.

Our function is to provide, manage, and coordinate a full range of quality legal services, including legal counsel and representation, litigation and legal risk management, and contract drafting and review. It is the goal of our office to provide counsel to minimize legal risk and costs and reduce litigation exposure, and to do so efficiently, expeditiously, reliably, and professionally. The office also serves as a resource to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations affecting Marist. It describes, prevents, and minimizes risks and supports informed decision-making and problem solving by management.

The Office of General Counsel represents Marist, its Board of Trustees, the President, academic and administrative officers, faculty, and staff in connection with their work on behalf of Marist. The office does not represent individual faculty, students, staff members or administrators in personal legal matters outside the scope of their business as Marist officials. The Office of General Counsel engages outside counsel to work on particular matters when considerations such as cost and specialized subject matter make it appropriate to do so. Marist personnel should not contact outside counsel concerning University business without prior consultation with our office. Similarly, all communications from outside attorneys should be referred to our office.

Meet General Counsel, Sima Saran Ahuja >
Meet Assistant General Counsel, Richie Williams >

Summonses and Subpoenas

Please do not accept summonses or subpoenas on behalf of the University.  Instead, please direct all attempting to serve a summons or subpoena on the University to the Office of General Counsel (Donnelly 216).

Notary Services

The Office of General Counsel does not provide notary services. If you or your offices require notary services, please contact: 

Kara Shier: (845) 575-3296  kara.shier@marist.edu
Kathy Santoiemmo: (845) 575-3440  katherine.santoiemmo@marist.edu
Amaryah Popovic: (845) 575-3161  amaryah.popovic@marist.edu