Higher education faces a crowded courtroom calendar as institutions and the federal government square off over funding, research, and free‑speech issues. A sector roundup flagged five major lawsuits to watch in 2026—many involving disputes between universities and the Trump administration over research funding, campus policy and federal enforcement. At the state level, Virginia’s attorney general has begun recruiting in‑house counsel for colleges to “fight back” against what he describes as federal overreach, signaling increased legal coordination between state officials and public institutions. The move reflects a broader pattern of legal mobilization by both state governments and universities. The legal pressure points will shape institutional risk management, counsel hiring, and board oversight as colleges respond to federal investigations, funding freezes and contentious regulatory changes throughout the year.