Big Law Advises University Clients Amid 'Huge Influx of Demand' Over Protests

Education attorney Paul Lannon was mentioned in a The National Law Journal article about the surge in demand for legal guidance that law firms' education practices are experiencing amid nationwide campus protests. The article highlights how firms are fielding a high volume of inquiries from colleges and universities on matters related to student speech, anti-discrimination policies, government investigations, civil liabilities and student conduct issues stemming from the protests. Mr. Lannon noted that providing counsel requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving attorneys across different practice areas to comprehensively advise institutions on complex issues like free speech boundaries, Title VI compliance and risk management concerns when law enforcement is involved. He also commented that most of the questions from schools involve free speech and permissible restrictions on it.

"The goal is always the same, which is to allow as much free speech as you can without unduly interfering with the rights of others," he said.

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