Member Stories

Being a higher education attorney means you are the legal counselor and sounding board to the university’s administrative staff and (depending on your position) board of directors. As such, you have the opportunity to help your client reach their strategic goals as efficiently as possible and in a manner that lowers risk and maximizes gains. Your eyes and ears see and hear issues in a different light, anticipating pitfalls and opportunities your clients do not see, enabling you to be a trusted and reliable source for those who make major decisions on behalf of the university.

—Darron Farha, Vice President and General Counsel, Valparaiso University

With the legal landscape changing so quickly and significantly these days, as a NACUA member I regularly experience that I am part of an organization whose sole mission is to support the effectiveness of my practice as a higher education lawyer for the benefit of my university. This support takes many forms including timely and often daily legal updates, impactful continuing legal education through briefings, webinars and thought-provoking presentations, and perhaps most importantly these days, the community of care that has always been wonderful but right now, feels like an oasis. I love NACUA!

—Lili Palacios Baldwin, Deputy General Counsel, Labor, Employment & Litigation, Tufts University

Colleges and universities are highly regulated and complex entities, and the lawyers who represent them must stay well-connected and well-informed to be effective. Being a member of NACUA is vital to my practice because it connects me to a network of legal experts and critical resources for navigating the formidable pressures in the higher education sector. In today’s demanding climate, NACUA also plays an important role in fostering a supportive community where I can share challenges and find compassion and camaraderie. NACUA connections strengthen my emotional well-being and professional confidence, enhancing my ability to deliver the best possible service to my university client.

—Traevena Byrd, Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary to the Board, American University

I view my membership in NACUA as foundational to my work. As a solo practitioner, I am incredibly grateful for the sense of community it provides, offering me both mentorship and access to high-level legal analysis from industry experts. Given the unprecedented pace of federal regulatory changes–likely setting a new precedent for years to come—NACUA’s ability to track litigation and case law is indispensable. I am so grateful for this community and the timely updates that keep my practice sharp and informed.

—Janelle Ramsel, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, Regis University