Lehigh University announces Matthew Lahey as its newly appointed Vice President and University General Counsel.
**Matthew Lahey Appointed as Lehigh University's New General Counsel**
Matthew Lahey, a seasoned legal professional with over two decades of experience in higher education and private practice, has been appointed as the new General Counsel at Lehigh University.
Lahey's extensive career in higher education law is marked by his expertise in navigating complex legal challenges facing universities. He has spent more than 15 years counseling a large European University on sanctions, export controls, and a variety of compliance issues, demonstrating his deep knowledge of international higher education regulatory matters.
In addition, Lahey has led Title IX investigations and dispute resolutions for public universities, private research institutions, and nationally-ranked liberal arts colleges. He has handled sensitive cases involving sexual assault and harassment allegations, showcasing his ability to manage high-stakes education law cases with sensitivity and professionalism.
Lahey's impressive legal career also includes representing a private research university in Title IX-related federal litigation and assisting institutions with federal investigations and litigation. He has been successful in obtaining dismissal of complex multi-district litigation involving antitrust claims against publishers and bookstores in the higher education market, reflecting his significant legal skill in both education and commercial law sectors.
Before his tenure at Oberlin College, Lahey was a partner in the Labor & Employment group at an AmLaw 100 firm in Chicago, Illinois. He earned his bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Notre Dame and his juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.
At Oberlin College, Lahey served as the college's chief legal officer and liaison to the Board of Trustees and its committees. He oversaw all legal services to the institution and supported key governance functions. Prior to Oberlin College, Lahey served for more than eight years as Associate General Counsel at the University of Notre Dame, advising senior leadership on strategic initiatives and legal issues related to academic affairs, litigation, institutional policy, risk management, and compliance.
Throughout his 25-year legal career, Lahey has published frequently and given regular presentations on Higher Ed and Labor & Employment laws and trends. He has also served for a number of years on the Board of Directors for the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County.
Lahey's son, Tyler Lahey '25, is graduating from Lehigh University this week, adding a personal connection to his new role at the university.
The search committee for the General Counsel position at Lehigh University included Joe Sterrett, Brett Ludwig, Ainsley Lamberton, Kim Nimmo, Alex Radus, and Melissa Blomkvist. The firm Major, Lindsey & Africa, in partnership with the search committee, supported the national search for the position.
With Matthew Lahey's appointment, Lehigh University is well-positioned to navigate the complex legal landscape of higher education. His extensive experience in higher education law, institutional governance, Title IX, and employment matters will undoubtedly serve the university well in the years to come.
- Matthew Lahey's expertise in higher education law, evident during his 15-year tenure counseling a large European University, will aid Lehigh University in complex regulatory matters.
- In addition to his legal skills, Lahey's experience in handling sensitive education-and-self-development cases, such as Title IX investigations, will be beneficial for Lehigh University.
- Lehigh University's new General Counsel, Matthew Lahey, has demonstrated significant legal skill in both education and commercial law sectors, evidenced by his success in antitrust claims against publishers and bookstores.
- Career-development opportunities in skills-training may benefit from Lahey's background as he has published frequently on Higher Ed and Labor & Employment laws and trends.
