Alert 12.17.25
U.S. DOJ Rolls Back Disparate Impact Rule
DOJ Amends Its Title VI Regulations to Eliminate Disparate-Impact Liability
Jeff understands the challenges universities face in the current environment and is a thoughtful and very effective strategist and litigator.
Jeff Metzler is a Litigation partner and co-leader of Pillsbury’s Education group, where he advises colleges, universities and other institutional clients on high-stakes civil rights defense, compliance strategy, investigations and complex litigation. He is nationally ranked by Chambers USA for higher education law and is recognized for his strategic judgment, practical risk mitigation and client-focused advocacy.
Jeff routinely represents institutions in Title IX, discrimination and governance disputes, and he brings deep experience in appellate advocacy and government investigations. He also counsels leadership on risk assessments, policy design and DEI-related compliance audits that help boards and senior administrators navigate evolving regulatory and legal landscapes.
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Prior to joining Pillsbury, Jeff was an Associate General Counsel at New York University, overseeing litigation, investigations and student affairs, and served in senior government roles, including Assistant Solicitor General for New York State and Acting General Counsel for the New York City Council. He clerked for the Hon. Diana Gribbon Motz on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and holds a JD from Yale, an MPA from Columbia and a BA from Brown.
Representative Experience
- Obtained summary judgment in federal discrimination litigation defending institutional disciplinary process. Advises on DEI-related compliance frameworks and risk mitigation strategies.
- Represented university medical center in $1 billion construction claim for damages arising out of Superstorm Sandy.
- 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 U.S. 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.
- Pro Bono Partner for Pillsbury’s New York office
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- Co-Chair of the Education and the Law Committee of the NYC Bar Association
- Co-leader of NYC Bar Association Task Force on Higher Education
- Member of the Board of Trustees at Excelsior University
- Member of the Board for the Legal Aid Society
- Adjunct professor of course on law and public policy at NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
- Guest lecturer on law of higher education at NYU’s Steinhardt School
- Member of National Association of College and University Attorneys
- Speaking Engagements
- “DC Disrupted: Unpacking New Anti-DEI Enforcement Guidance,” Pillsbury webinar, September 9, 2025.
- “DC Disrupted: Higher Education Under Pressure: Federal Leverage & Policy Shifts in the Trump Era,” Pillsbury webinar, April 17, 2025.
- “Legal Update on DEI: Current Laws and Emerging Trends,” 2025 NACUA Spring CLE Workshop. Moderator.
- “Title IX in Unprecedented Times: Navigating a Shifting Legal Landscape,” NYC Bar Association CLE Program, February 25, 2025.
- “Advancing Women in the Evolving DEIB Landscape,” 2024 Rutgers Business School Reimagining the Advancement of Women Conference.
- “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.
- “EdTech—Public and Private Investment Webinar,” Pillsbury webinar, September 30, 2020.
- “Higher Education and COVID-19: Understanding Legal Liability Protections,” Pillsbury webinar, August 3, 2020.
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