UNLV President Carol C. Harter today announced the appointment of Richard Linstrom as general counsel for the university. Linstrom has served in the office of the Attorney General since 1995, most recently as chief deputy attorney general and assistant solicitor general under Attorney General Brian Sandoval.

As general counsel, Linstrom will serve as the principal legal counsel to UNLV. Specific responsibilities include providing advice and counsel concerning legal rights and obligations of the university, review and negotiation of contracts, review of legal implications of pending legislation, and legal research and review of such documents as proposed legislation, administrative policies and contracts.

"The role of an urban university in its community, state and region is increasingly complex," said Harter. "The general counsel will play an important role as UNLV continues to grow and develop as a premier center for education, research and public/private partnership. Richard Linstrom's wide range of experience will serve the university well into the future. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on board."

Linstrom has been with the Attorney General's office since 1995, where he has served as regional chief deputy attorney general in charge of the office's Las Vegas branch, headed the Telemarketing/Consumer Fraud Unit and worked in the Workers Compensation Insurance Fraud Unit. Prior to joining the Attorney General's office, Linstrom was in private practice in Las Vegas and Honolulu, Hawaii. He has also served as deputy prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu.

Linstrom received his juris doctorate from the University of San Francisco in 1982, and is admitted to practice law in Nevada, Hawaii and the District of Columbia. He has served as lead counsel in more than forty jury trials.

Linstrom will join the university as general counsel on December 9. The position reports both to Daniel Klaich, chief counsel for the University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN), and to Dr. Harter.

"Richard's track record exemplifies the type of experience needed for this important new post," said Klaich. "His extensive knowledge and practical experience with state and federal law will be tremendous assets to UNLV and the entire UCCSN."