Harvard University has hired prominent conservative attorney William Burck, known for his strong legal acumen and connections to President Trump, in an effort to push back against federal threats to strip the university of billions in funding. Burck, of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, was brought on board to support interim President Alan Garber in rejecting the Trump administration’s demands that Harvard reform its governance, admissions, and hiring to align more closely with the administration’s views.

Burck made it clear that Harvard would not compromise its autonomy or constitutional rights. However, soon after the university's refusal, the Trump administration retaliated by freezing $2.2 billion in multi-year federal grants and even hinted at removing Harvard’s tax-exempt status. Trump and his allies, who are attempting to reshape higher education, have increasingly targeted Harvard, accusing the university of fostering antisemitism and failing to respond adequately to anti-Israel protests on campus.

This legal battle is seen as a major test for Burck, whose past clients include billionaires and major political figures. He is known for his courtroom prowess and conservative worldview, making him a strategic pick to negotiate with Trump’s inner circle. Legal expert Alan Dershowitz commented that Burck’s appointment sends a dual message: defiance to Harvard’s faculty and conciliation to the government. Since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Harvard has faced intense scrutiny over campus protests that many say included antisemitic rhetoric. This unrest led to the resignation of President Claudine Gay. Although the university has since introduced stricter policies against antisemitism and hired lobbying support linked to the Trump administration, tensions have continued.

Last month, the administration expanded its probe into alleged antisemitism across universities and began reviewing up to $9 billion in federal funds to Harvard. Similar actions have already impacted Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, and Northwestern. While some institutions have made concessions to reinstate funding, Harvard drew the line when the Trump administration pushed for deeper control over hiring and admissions decisions. Alongside Burck, Harvard also retained Robert Hur of King & Spalding—a conservative attorney and former special counsel in the Biden classified documents investigation. Burck had represented Hur during his congressional testimony, showing how deeply connected he is to high-profile cases and figures across the political spectrum.

Burck’s track record includes defending high-stakes political and corporate clients. He played a key role in negotiating a $40 million pro bono legal deal to shield Paul Weiss from Trump-era executive actions, represented New York Mayor Eric Adams in a corruption probe, and even sued the IRS on behalf of billionaire Ken Griffin over a data leak—leading to a rare public apology from the agency. He also won a major Supreme Court case in 2021 for conservative groups by challenging a California law that required disclosure of donor information. In 2024, Burck became the Trump Organization’s ethics advisor, overseeing major business decisions, a role underscoring his close ties to Trump’s inner circle. The Trump Organization praised him as one of the country’s most respected attorneys.

Burck, a Yale graduate and former clerk for Justice Anthony Kennedy, has had a long and varied career—from prosecuting Martha Stewart to working in the George W. Bush White House and representing Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation. His client list also includes FIFA, Steve Bannon, Don McGahn, and Reince Priebus in the Mueller investigation. A fan of the New England Patriots, he even defended team owner Robert Kraft and Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in headline-making cases.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.