The AAUP's legal office supports the activities of the Association in a variety of ways. The office responds to inquiries on higher education law from professors, academic administrators, attorneys, and others; monitors legal developments in higher education around the country; and leads workshops and presentations on higher education law. (See a list of resources broken down by topic.)
The legal office also works with experts from around the country in submitting friend-of-the-court briefs in key appellate cases, seeking to shape the law in ways supportive of Association principles. The AAUP's amicus briefs before the Supreme Court and appellate courts safeguard sound academic practices and due process. The AAUP also tracks the legal implications of legislation and its implementation in executive branch agencies.
In addition, the office performs in-house legal work for the AAUP and supplies legal support for a number of key AAUP committees. The staff attorneys collaborate with the General Counsel, who is a law professor appointed to a two-year term and who remains in his or her faculty position while serving the Association.
The AAUP cannot provide specific legal advice or represent individuals in litigation; however, we do provide attorney referrals upon request (write to the attorney referral service). For all other inquiries please write to the legal office.