Lehigh University appoints Matthew Lahey as its new Vice President and General Counsel.
Lehigh University has announced the appointment of Matthew Lahey as its new general counsel. With over two decades of legal experience in higher education and private practice, Lahey brings extensive expertise to the position.
Lahey most recently served as vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Oberlin College. Prior to his work at Oberlin, he was a partner in the Labor & Employment group at an AmLaw 100 firm in Chicago, Illinois.
At Oberlin College, Lahey oversaw all legal services, advised on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters, and supported key governance functions. His service at the university also included a commitment to community engagement, as he served on the Board of Directors for the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County.
Before his tenure at Oberlin, Lahey served for more than eight years as associate general counsel at the University of Notre Dame. There, he advised senior leadership on strategic initiatives and legal issues related to academic affairs, litigation, institutional policy, risk management, and compliance.
President Joseph J. Helble '82 of Lehigh University praised Lahey's expertise in higher education law and governance, saying, "Matthew Lahey's extensive experience in higher education law, institutional governance, Title IX, and employment matters will be a valuable asset to Lehigh University."
Lahey earned a bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Notre Dame and a juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. He has been recognized as a member of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.
Throughout his career, Lahey has been involved in high-profile litigations, regulatory counseling, and internal investigations in higher education. Notable contributions include counseling a large European university for over 15 years on compliance issues related to sanctions and export controls, representing a prestigious private research university in federal district court on Title IX and related claims, and successfully obtaining dismissal of multi-district litigation involving antitrust claims against publishers and campus bookstore operators.
Lahey's work extends to representing educational policy associations in amicus curiae briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging unconstitutional delegation of regulatory authority. He has also achieved favorable outcomes in class action and enforcement actions involving data breach litigation for education-related clients.
Lahey's involvement in governmental and regulatory litigation also includes successfully representing public sector unions in education-related disputes, demonstrating an understanding of education law’s intersection with public policy and labor law.
The search committee for the Lehigh University general counsel position was chaired by Dean of the College of Health Beth Dolan. The search was supported by Major, Lindsey & Africa, and included Joe Sterrett, Brett Ludwig, Ainsley Lamberton '07G, Kim Nimmo, Alex Radus, and Melissa Blomkvist who provided administrative and logistics support.
Interestingly, Lahey's son, Tyler Lahey '25, is graduating from Lehigh University this week. This connection adds a personal touch to Lahey's appointment, as he becomes a part of the Lehigh community in a new capacity.
As Lehigh University moves forward, Matthew Lahey's expertise and experience in higher education law and governance will undoubtedly prove invaluable in navigating the complex legal landscape of modern universities.
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- Lehigh University's Faculty will greatly benefit from Matthew Lahey's extensive research in higher education law, as he joins the institution with a commitment to education-and-self-development.
- The innovative approach to research in the field of higher education law, which Lahey has demonstrated through his notable contributions, will likely inspire further advancements at Lehigh University.
- In his new role as general counsel, Matthew Lahey's expertise in Title IX, employment matters, and regulatory affairs will significantly contribute to the health and well-being of Lehigh University, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for all students.
