Lehigh University appoints Matthew Lahey as its new Vice President and University General Counsel.
Lehigh University Appoints Matthew Lahey as Vice President and University General Counsel
Lehigh University has announced the appointment of Matthew Lahey as its new Vice President and University General Counsel, effective from 2025. Lahey brings a wealth of experience in higher education law, institutional governance, Title IX, and employment matters to his new role.
Lahey's distinguished career in higher education law began at the law firm Steptoe, where he handled a variety of complex legal issues in education. He has conducted Title IX investigations for public universities and private colleges, dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment.
One of his notable achievements at Steptoe was representing higher education institutions in federal court on Title IX claims and antitrust litigation. He successfully obtained the dismissal of multi-district litigation concerning price-fixing allegations in the academic textbooks market.
Lahey has also represented educational policy associations as amici curiae in important constitutional cases and advised institutions on federal enforcement actions, reflecting his expertise in regulatory and legislative education law.
Before joining Lehigh, Lahey served for more than eight years as associate general counsel at the University of Notre Dame. He later moved to Oberlin College, where he oversaw all legal services to the institution and advised on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters.
Lahey earned his juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and a B.S. in computer science and business administration from Furman University, cum laude. He has been recognized as a member of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.
The search committee, which included Joe Sterrett, Brett Ludwig, Ainsley Lamberton '07G, Kim Nimmo, Alex Radus, and was supported administratively by Melissa Blomkvist, began its work in the summer of 2024. The firm Major, Lindsey & Africa, in partnership with the search committee, supported the national search for the position.
Matthew Lahey is succeeding Frank Roth, who retires in June. His son, Tyler Lahey '25, a Lehigh finance major, is graduating this week.
President Joseph J. Helble '82 praised Lahey's expertise and strategic approach, expressing confidence in his ability to lead Lehigh's legal affairs and contribute to the university's strategic direction.
Lahey's areas of expertise include Title IX compliance and investigations, antitrust law as it applies to educational institutions, federal regulatory matters, internal investigations involving sexual harassment and discrimination claims, and managing litigation involving educational policy and funding. His appointment to Lehigh University’s leadership team underscores his deep experience and strategic legal acumen in higher education governance and compliance.
- In his new role at Lehigh University, Matthew Lahey will utilize his expertise in Title IX compliance and investigations, antitrust law, federal regulatory matters, and managing litigation involving educational policy and funding.
- Prior to joining Lehigh University, Lahey served at the University of Notre Dame and Oberlin College, gaining experience in providing legal services and advice on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters.
- Lahey's background in education-and-self-development and career-development is evident, as he has represented higher education institutions on Title IX claims, antitrust litigation, and regulatory education law.
- As a faculty member at Lehigh, Matthew Lahey's research interests may potentially focus on innovation in the field of law and education, contributing to the university's mission of education and research.
