Alert 06.23.25
Jeff understands the challenges universities face in the current environment and is a thoughtful and very effective strategist and litigator.
Jeff Metzler is co-leader of Pillsbury’s Education group and is ranked by Chambers for Higher Education law. He has extensive experience handling complex civil litigation, investigations and appeals for a diversity of clients.
Jeff has handled a broad range of matters, including civil rights claims (e.g., race, gender or disability discrimination), commercial disputes, government investigations, construction and administrative law. He also has significant appellate experience in New York state and federal courts and has served as trusted counsel to boards and senior leaders in government and nonprofits who rely on his judgment, creativity, client-orientation and problem-solving approach.
Prior to joining Pillsbury, Jeff was an Associate General Counsel at New York University for over five years, where he was responsible for litigation, government investigations and student affairs. Jeff also has served in a variety of government roles, including Assistant Solicitor General for New York State, Acting General Counsel and Chief of Litigation for the New York City Council, and Vice President for Economic Empowerment at Empire State Development. Jeff holds a BA from Brown University, an MPA from Columbia and a JD from Yale, and served as a law clerk for the Hon. Diana Gribbon Motz on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Representative Experience
- Won summary judgment for university in federal Title IX litigation by former student alleging gender discrimination, in connection with his dismissal after sexual misconduct proceedings.
- Represented university medical center in $1 billion construction claim for damages arising out of Superstorm Sandy.
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Represent broad range of commercial clients in breach of contract and insurance recovery claims worth billions of dollars.
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- Successfully challenged New York City policy restricting access to homeless shelters. Drafted the petition, briefed and argued the case in the trial court, Appellate Division and New York Court of Appeals.
- Represented educational institutions in government investigations and litigation regarding the First Amendment and alleged discrimination (race, gender and disability) in academic and disciplinary proceedings, government contracts, student housing, academic accommodations and website accessibility.
- Authored Supreme Court amicus brief in landmark affirmative action case.
Professional Highlights
- Recognized by Chambers USA for Higher Education - Nationwide (2025)
- Successfully argued dozens of appeals and motions in U.S. Court of Appeals, NY Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court, NYS Appellate Division and NYS Supreme Court
- Chaired Education Committee of the NYC Bar Association
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- Adjunct professor of course on law and public policy at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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Guest lecturer on law of higher education at NYU’s Steinhardt School
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Member of National Association of College and University Attorneys
- Speaking Engagements
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“Accommodations or Alternations? Navigating Student Accessibility,” 2024 NACUA Annual Conference
- “The State of DEI Compliance: Recent Cases and Developments,” 2024 Manufacturers Alliance Spring Diversity & Inclusion Council Meeting
- “The Current State of Title IX Litigation,” 2023 NACUA Annual Conference
- “Promoting Admissions Diversity in Compliance with the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) Cases,” 2023 NACUA Fall CLE Workshop
- “New Challenges to DEI Initiatives: Risk and Insurance Ramifications,” 2023 Pillsbury Insurance Policyholder Summit
- “Avoiding Trouble Before Classes Are in Session: Difficult Issues That Arise During the Admissions Process,” 2020 NACUA Winter CLE Workshop
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Education
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J.D., Yale Law School, 2002
M.P.A., Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, 1999
Public Affairs FellowB.A., Brown University, 1995
Magna cum laude
Admissions
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New York
Courts
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Clerkships
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Hon. Diana Gribbon Motz, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit