Matthew Lahey joins Lehigh with more than two decades of legal experience in higher education and private practice, succeeding Frank Roth who retires in June. Lahey most recently served as vice president, general counsel and secretary at Oberlin College, where he was the college’s chief legal officer and liaison to the Board of Trustees and its committees.
“Matt brings deep expertise in higher education law and a clear understanding of the complex legal and governance issues facing universities today,” said President Joseph J. Helble ’82. “His thoughtful, strategic approach and broad experience—from academic and legal affairs to institutional compliance and board governance—make him exceptionally well suited to serve as Lehigh’s next general counsel.”
Lahey brings extensive experience in higher education law, institutional governance, Title IX and employment matters to his new role at Lehigh. At Oberlin College, Lahey oversaw all legal services to the institution, advised on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters and supported key governance functions, including advising the board and its committees, coordinating and facilitating faculty committees, and interpreting and maintaining the institution’s governing documents. He also oversaw Oberlin College’s Office of Risk Management and provided direct legal oversight for its Office of Institutional Equity.
Prior to his time 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. He led the office’s employment law team and held a faculty appointment at Notre Dame Law School, where he taught courses in employment discrimination and labor and employment law.
The firm Major, Lindsey & Africa, in partnership with a search committee chaired by Dean of the College of Health Beth Dolan, supported the national search for the position. The search committee began its work in summer 2024.
The search committee included: Joe Sterrett, retired dean of athletics; Brett Ludwig, vice president for communications and public affairs; Ainsley Lamberton '07G, administrative director, Office of the Vice Provost for Research; Kim Nimmo, director of risk management; and Alex Radus, associate general counsel. Melissa Blomkvist, executive secretary, Office of the President, provided administrative and logistics support for the search.
“I am deeply honored and excited to join President Helble, the Board of Trustees and the entire Lehigh University community in carrying forward the university’s legacy at such an important time,” said Lahey. “I was immediately drawn to Lehigh’s distinctive spirit of innovation and collaboration, which resonates with me personally and professionally. As a Lehigh parent over the last four years, I also had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of a Lehigh education. Lehigh University is a special place, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to contribute in such a direct way.”
Lahey’s son, Tyler Lahey ’25, a Lehigh finance major, graduates this week.
Prior to his work at Notre Dame, Lahey was a partner in the Labor & Employment group at an AmLaw 100 firm in Chicago, Illinois, where he counseled and litigated on behalf of employers of all sizes on a wide range of employment and labor matters.
Lahey has been recognized as a member of the College of Labor Lawyers, and throughout his 25-year legal career, he has published frequently and has given regular presentations on Higher Ed and Labor & Employment laws and trends.
Lahey also served for a number of years on the Board of Directors for the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County, a federally funded non-profit organization committed to providing legal and other critical support services to victims of domestic violence.
He 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.
