Last week, numerous Biglaw firms acknowledged the escalating menace of antisemitic harassment across law school campuses. They responded to the issue with a commitment viewed by some as amounting to essentially nothing. This appeared as an attempt to shift the responsibility onto law school deans, rather than invest resources to distinguish between valid political opinions about Israel and the escalating antisemitism enveloping these spaces.
The firms, some of which openly advertise their ties with states that reject Israel’s legitimacy, have been seen to prefer lower-profile actions that avoid any financial impact. Many within the legal community argue that these firms should leverage their significant resources to engage with the core issues at hand, and contribute meaningfully to addressing the issue.
Contrary to the criticism leveled at these firms, some are taking tangible action. Renowned Biglaw firm Gibson Dunn, in cooperation with Hillel International, ADL and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, has launched the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL). The initiative offers individuals on campus access to a free legal helpline.
CALL provides students, faculty, staff members, and families, a resource for reporting incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, and potential criminal acts. Lawyers deployed by the helpline will conduct thorough investigation into incidents and offer pro bono legal representation for victims. Counseling and other support services are also part of the wider support provided by CALL.
In addition to Gibson Dunn, other law firms like Morgan Lewis will donate pro bono resources to the helpline. Despite antisemitism not being a campus-exclusive issue, the helpline’s objective is to address the resource constraints prevalent within institutions and students alike.
Adam Lehman, Hillel International President and CEO, cited the increase in antisemitic harassment following a recent terrorist attack on Israel, especially directed towards Jewish college students, as a potent cause for the creation of CALL. He reiterated the importance of creating a safe and secure campus environment for Jewish students amongst others.
The benefits of involving trained attorneys in the assessment process extend beyond delivering justice to victims. They can also assist in managing ‘murky’ borderline cases, achieving resolutions in complexities usually avoided by the campus administrations.
Rather than relying upon social media for handling antisemitic harassment cases which often results in a rise in campus insecurity, the lawyers can assist students in liaising with their respective schools’ internal systems. This credible form of investigation can deter the opportunist activities exacerbating the harassment.
Notably, a partnership with attorneys from notable Biglaw firms like Gibson Dunn and Morgan Lewis grants the initiative significant credibility and power. The expertise they bring to the table can greatly support students seeking redress for their grievances.
Amid an uptick in antisemitic incidents and the preceding passive responses by law firms, this proactive initiative is a welcomed development. Observers will wait to see if other firms committing to combating antisemitic harassment will devote their resources to this effort as well.