Thu May 29 18:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Harvard University has announced Kannon K. Shanmugam, a distinguished appellate attorney and alumnus, as the newest member of the Harvard Corporation. He succeeds Theodore V. Wells Jr., who is leaving after 12 years of service. Shanmugam, known for his legal expertise, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to academic excellence, has argued numerous cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also served educational institutions in advisory roles. Shanmugam expressed his honor in joining the Corporation and his desire to contribute to the university’s future. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. Shanmugam’s extensive legal career includes positions at prestigious law firms and the Department of Justice. The announcement also acknowledged Wells’s contributions and welcomed Shanmugam’s fresh perspectives.

**News Article:**

**Harvard Corporation Welcomes Renowned Appellate Attorney Kannon Shanmugam to Board**

**Cambridge, MA** – Harvard University has appointed Kannon K. Shanmugam, a highly respected appellate attorney and alumnus, to its prestigious Harvard Corporation. Shanmugam, a graduate of both Harvard College and Harvard Law School, will replace Theodore V. Wells Jr., who is stepping down after 12 years of dedicated service.

The announcement, made by President Alan Garber and Senior Fellow Penny Pritzker, highlighted Shanmugam’s deep ties to Harvard and his commitment to academic freedom. “Kannon Shanmugam is one of the nation’s most accomplished and admired appellate attorneys,” Garber and Pritzker stated, citing his exceptional legal skills and dedication to education.

Shanmugam brings a wealth of experience to the Corporation, having argued 39 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and countless others in courts across the country. He is currently a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, where he leads their Supreme Court and Appellate Litigation Practice. He has also served in advisory and governance roles at various educational institutions.

“It’s an honor to have been asked to serve on the Harvard Corporation,” said Shanmugam. “I owe everything to Harvard… and I look forward to contributing my perspective to the Corporation’s deliberations in the coming years.” He acknowledged the challenges facing the university and pledged to work constructively to address them while upholding its commitment to academic excellence.

Shanmugam graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. His impressive career includes clerkships with Judge J. Michael Luttig and Justice Antonin Scalia.

The Harvard Corporation, the university’s governing body, is responsible for overseeing its academic, financial, and physical resources. Shanmugam’s term will begin on July 1. The university also expressed gratitude to Wells for his outstanding service over the past 12 years.

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