Mr Chris Penman

General Counsel The University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia Phone: +61 3 8344 7544 Fax: +61 3 9341 6046 Email: c.penman@ unimelb.edu.au

The General Counsel is the senior legal officer in the University, and the chief source of legal and compliance advice to the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-Principal, and through them to the University Council.

The General Counsel is part of the governance and compliance group within the Division of the Senior Vice-Principal, which includes Internal Audit, Legal Services and University Secretary.

The General Counsel provides legal advice on key strategic issues for the University, and works closely with Legal Services, and particularly with its Director who reports to the General Counsel, on a broad range of legal matters.

The General Counsel advises on key legislative and governance issues pertaining to the University’s dual role as a body corporate and body politic, with special accountabilities under its enabling legislation, and is the Senior Vice-Principal’s nominee on the University’s Legislation and Trusts Committee.

The General Counsel is also responsible for the Trusts Group, which provides legal and compliance related advice on the performance of the University’s obligations under many charitable trusts, and for the administration of the University’s general compliance program including regular reports to Council, and legal advice to University stakeholders on their compliance responsibilities.

The General Counsel has responsibility for protecting the University’s legal rights and ensuring that an appropriate framework is in place for the University to demonstrate high levels of legislative and general compliance.

Prior to being appointed as General Counsel in 2003, Chris Penman was for more than 20 years a partner in a major international law firm specialising in the business and corporate areas, and worked in several locations in Australia and overseas.  He has also served on the Council of the Law Institute of Victoria and continues to serve on several of its committees, and has also been or is involved in committee work for several business, sporting and charitable organisations.

Staff and Contact Details
Level 1, Old Geology Building

Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Ms Maria Galanis
Phone: +61 3 8344 7544
Email: mgalanis@ unimelb.edu.au