Lou Guard’s Latest Book Reveals the Evolving Legal Challenges in Higher Education

The release of a groundbreaking new book, “All the Campus Lawyers: Litigation, Regulation, and the New Era of Higher Education,” by Lou Guard ’12 and Joyce Jacobsen, has sparked a thought-provoking discussion within the Cornell Law community. The book delves into the unprecedented legal challenges that have reshaped university governance and administrative strategies in recent years.

At a recent event at Cornell Law School, moderated by Kristen Underhill, a distinguished panel including David Wippman, Barbara A. Lee, and Risa Lieberwitz, explored the critical role of legal counsel in navigating the complex legal landscape of higher education. Lou Guard, vice president and general counsel of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, shared his insights on the growing intensity of legal issues within higher education and the need for proactive management strategies.

Barbara A. Lee highlighted the evolving role of university legal counsel in balancing civil rights, free speech, and employment law challenges while upholding the core values of education. Risa Lieberwitz emphasized the delicate balance between preemptive legal strategies and institutional values, stressing the importance of aligning legal actions with the mission of higher education.

David Wippman provided a unique administrative perspective, discussing the tangible impacts of the “lawyerization” of higher education as outlined in the book. He emphasized the need for adaptive legal strategies that can safeguard institutional values while complying with increasing legal requirements.

“All the Campus Lawyers” offers a timely assessment of the impact of legal concerns on higher education, serving as a crucial resource for university administrators, legal counsel, and policymakers in the academic sector. The book aims to foster a broader dialogue among stakeholders to better anticipate and respond to the legal challenges facing higher education institutions today.