Kannon Shanmugam Joins Harvard Corporation

Kannon K. Shanmugam Appointed To Harvard Corporation

Kannon K. Shanmugam ’93,J.D. ’98,a highly respected appellate attorney and alumnus of both Harvard College and Harvard Law School,has been elected as the newest member of The Harvard Corporation. The University made the proclamation Thursday. Shanmugam will take over from Theodore V. Wells Jr.,J.D. ’76,M.B.A. ’76, who is leaving the board after 12 years.

President Alan Garber and Senior Fellow Penny Pritzker, in a message to the Harvard community Thursday afternoon, cited Shanmugam’s “deep devotion to Harvard and to the importance of academic values and academic freedom” as key reasons for his election.

A Legal Luminary Joins Harvard’s Governing Board

Garber and Pritzker stated, “Kannon Shanmugam is one of the nation’s most accomplished and admired appellate attorneys, who has also served an array of educational institutions. Beyond his extensive experience counseling and representing major organizations in complex matters, he is known for his intellectual acuity and curiosity, his remarkable work ethic, his warm and collegial manner, his adroitness in engaging people with varied points of view, and his commitment to academic excellence.”

Shanmugam’s legal career is marked by significant achievements. He has argued 39 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and over 150 appeals in various courts nationwide, including all 13 federal courts of appeals and numerous state courts. He was formerly a partner at Williams & Connolly and a member of the Office of the Solicitor General in the Department of Justice. Currently, Shanmugam is a partner at paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, where he chairs the firm’s Supreme Court and appellate Litigation Practice, leads its Washington, D.C. office, and co-chairs the Litigation Department.

Commitment To Education And Governance

Shanmugam’s commitment extends to educational institutions.He has served as past chair of the board of trustees of Thurgood Marshall Academy, a public charter high school in Washington, D.C., and as a current trustee of both the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and the University of Kansas endowment. He is also a past trustee of the Association of Marshall Scholars.

“It’s an honor to have been asked to serve on the Harvard Corporation, and I look forward to contributing my perspective to the Corporation’s deliberations in the coming years,” Shanmugam said. “My reason for agreeing to serve is simple: I owe everything to Harvard. Harvard gave me opportunities I never would have had, and it exposed me to different people and new ideas.”

He added, “Harvard has gone through arduous times and faces ample challenges, but it does so much good for the world. Harvard is one of our nation’s most important institutions, and when an institution has problems, I believe the solution is to work constructively to fix the problems, while holding true to its foundational commitment to academic excellence. I look forward to doing my part to help Harvard meet those challenges and to make the University a better, stronger place for the future.”

From Kansas To Cambridge: A Journey Of Excellence

A Kansas native, Shanmugam’s father was an electrical engineering professor at the University of Kansas, after emigrating from India. Shanmugam graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College in 1993, concentrating in classics and serving as editor in chief of the harvard Self-reliant. As a Marshall Scholar at Oxford, he earned a Master of Letters degree in classical languages and literature. He was also executive editor of the Harvard Law Review before graduating magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1998.

Following law school, Shanmugam clerked for Judge J. Michael luttig of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and Justice Antonin Scalia of the Supreme Court. He began his private practice as an associate at Kirkland & Ellis and later served as assistant to the solicitor general in the Department of Justice from 2004 to 2008.

After his time in the solicitor general’s office, Shanmugam spent over a decade as a partner at Williams & Connolly, becoming one of the most sought-after appellate lawyers in the country. He co-chaired the American Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Committee and served as president of the Edward Coke Appellate Inn of Court. Shanmugam is the only practicing American lawyer who holds the honor of being an honorary bencher of the Inner Temple, one of the four English Inns of Court. Additionally, he has taught Supreme court advocacy at Georgetown University Law Center and is an elected member of the American law Institute and a Federalist Society contributor.

One of only six appellate lawyers ranked as a Star Individual by Chambers USA, Shanmugam was a finalist for The American Lawyer’s Litigator of the Year in 2022 and 2024, and he was named Appellate Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation in 2021.

Transition And Gratitude

Shanmugam’s election,in accordance with the University’s charter,was made by the members of the Corporation with the consent of the university’s Board of Overseers.His service will commence on July 1,as Wells departs the board. Garber and Pritzker expressed their gratitude to Wells for his service.

garber and Pritzker noted, “We owe profound gratitude to our colleague ted Wells, who as 2013 has served the Corporation and the university superbly with his powerful mind, his formidable legal expertise, his strong commitment to academic ideals and principled decision-making, and his humane concern for others. In Kannon Shanmugam, we are fortunate to have someone well positioned to carry forward and build on Ted’s remarkable legacy, while bringing fresh perspectives and valuable insights to the hard and important work ahead.”

The Harvard Corporation: Stewards Of The University

The Harvard Corporation, officially known as the President and Fellows of Harvard College, was established in 1650. It is indeed responsible for the University’s academic, financial, and physical resources and overall well-being. The 13-member Corporation, chaired by the president, is one of Harvard’s two governing boards. The members of Harvard’s othre governing board, the board of Overseers, are elected by Harvard degree holders.

Role	Responsibility
Harvard corporation	Fiduciary responsibility for academic, financial, and physical resources.
Board of overseers	Elected by Harvard degree holders.

Harvard Corporation: A Legacy Of Leadership

The Harvard Corporation,formally the President and Fellows of Harvard College,stands as one of the oldest and most influential governing bodies in American higher education. Chartered in 1650, its role has evolved over centuries to meet the changing needs of a growing and diversifying university. Today, the Corporation’s 13 members are entrusted with the fiduciary responsibility for Harvard’s vast academic, financial, and physical resources, ensuring the institution’s continued excellence and global impact.

The appointment of Kannon K. Shanmugam to the Harvard Corporation underscores the importance of experienced and insightful leadership in navigating the complex challenges and opportunities facing higher education today. As Harvard continues to address issues related to academic freedom, financial sustainability, and its role in a rapidly changing world, the expertise and dedication of its governing body are more critical than ever. Shanmugam’s background as a distinguished legal scholar and his commitment to academic values position him as a valuable asset to the Corporation, helping to guide Harvard towards a future of continued academic excellence and societal impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Harvard Corporation

• What Is The Harvard Corporation? The Harvard Corporation, formally known as the President and Fellows of Harvard College, is one of Harvard University’s two governing boards. It exercises fiduciary responsibility over the University’s resources and overall well-being.
• How Many members Are On The Harvard Corporation? The Harvard Corporation consists of 13 members, including the President of Harvard University.
• What Are The Main Responsibilities Of The Harvard Corporation? The Corporation is responsible for the academic, financial, and physical resources of Harvard University. It ensures the University adheres to its mission and maintains its standards of excellence.
• How Is A New Member selected For The Harvard Corporation? New members are elected by the existing members of the Corporation, with the consent of the University’s Board of Overseers.
• Who Did Kannon K. Shanmugam Succeed On The Harvard Corporation? Kannon K. Shanmugam succeeded Theodore V. Wells Jr., who served on the Corporation for 12 years.

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Kannon Shanmugam Joins Harvard Corporation: A Deep Dive into Legal Expertise and University Governance

Who is Kannon Shanmugam? Exploring a Distinguished Legal Career

Kannon Shanmugam, a highly respected figure in the legal field, has recently been appointed to the Harvard Corporation. This appointment underscores his remarkable career and contributions to the legal profession. Exploring Kannon Shanmugam’s legal career reveals a trajectory marked by exceptional skill, landmark cases, and a commitment to the highest standards of law. Key aspects of his journey include:

• Supreme court Advocate: Shanmugam is renowned for his significant experience arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Accomplished presentation of cases at this level is a hallmark of the most elite legal professionals.
• Diverse practice Areas: His legal expertise encompasses a diversified portfolio, including complex civil litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and appellate advocacy.
• Prominent Law Firm Affiliation: He is a key partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, one of the world’s leading law firms, providing a meaningful vantage point across the industry.
• Strategic Mindset: Shanmugam’s approach emphasizes a keen understanding of the larger impact of legal processes, not just case-specific challenges.

Significant Cases and Legal Accomplishments: A Closer Look

Throughout his career, Kannon Shanmugam has been involved in several high-profile cases that have significantly impacted legal precedent and public discourse. Understanding these cases provides insight into his strategic prowess. Some of his most notable achievements include:

Landmark Supreme Court Arguments

Kannon Shanmugam’s frequent appearances before the Supreme court indicate his exceptional advocacy skills. The following table provides a brief overview of some of the significant cases:

Case Name	Notable Aspects	Outcome
*Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway* (2022)	Addressed issues of corporate personal jurisdiction and its implications.	Pending
*Ohio v. American Express* (2018)	Explored the definition of an antitrust market.	Involved in resolving issues concerning class action lawsuits.

Harvard Corporation Roles and Responsibilities: Governance at its core

The Harvard Corporation is a governing board that plays a critical role in shaping the university’s direction. Understanding its roles provides insight into the impact of Kannon Shanmugam’s appointment. Duties typically performed by members include:

• Fiduciary Oversight: Managing the university’s finances, including the vast endowment.
• Strategic Direction: Setting overall strategic plans and vision for Harvard University.
• Presidential Selection: Appointing, and providing oversight for, the university’s president.
• Policy Making: Establishing and refining institutional policies and key decision making.

Harvard Corporation roles and duty are wide-ranging, signifying that Shanmugam now participates in high-level decision-making that impacts Harvard. The appointment underscores the university’s preference for individuals with established leadership and problem-solving skillsets.

Impact on Harvard University and the Future

Shanmugam’s appointment is deemed to bring a valuable legal viewpoint, notably concerning risk management, precedent, and policy. His contributions may include:

• Legal Risk Assessment
• Policy Growth and Review
• Strategic Planning

The Importance of This Appointment

Kannon Shanmugam’s appointment to the Harvard Corporation is a testament to his outstanding legal achievements and leadership capabilities. It signifies recognition of his skills and experience, as well as his potential influence on crucial decisions affecting the institution and beyond. This appointment elevates his professional status.