Marc Kasowitz, known for spearheading Title VI lawsuits against prestigious universities like Columbia, Harvard, Penn, and NYU on behalf of Jewish students, is now facing backlash from some of those he represented. Earlier this year, his firm announced a settlement with Columbia University, benefiting 43 Jewish and Israeli students. However, the celebration has turned sour as Kasowitz is accused of pocketing over half the settlement amount — approximately $6.4 million of the estimated $10 million-plus payout.

The controversy has sparked a fresh lawsuit against Kasowitz, with plaintiffs arguing that the attorney's substantial cut — described by one student as "around 60% of the settlement" — was disproportionate and unjust. The settlement process itself has been criticized; students claim they were pressured into signing non-disclosure agreements over the Christmas holiday, a timing they found peculiar given their Jewish heritage.

Adding to the discontent, when students requested a detailed breakdown of the legal billings, Kasowitz’s firm only provided a summary, despite claiming over 7,700 hours of work at rates as high as $2,500 an hour. Notably, the case had been settled before any major legal proceedings like depositions or formal discoveries had occurred, raising questions about the justification for such high fees.

The firm has defended its actions, stating that all plaintiffs signed releases and fully accepted the terms of what they described as a historic settlement. However, the plaintiffs counter that they were misled, with initial promises indicating that a third party would cover the legal fees — a promise that was never fulfilled.

The case has highlighted broader concerns about the motives behind legal battles against campus antisemitism. From administrative overreach to government interference, the issue has often been leveraged for political and personal gains, overshadowing the genuine grievances of those affected.

Further complicating the narrative, this legal dispute emerges alongside ongoing debates about the role of lawyers in managing settlements, often criticized either as scapegoats or as opportunists. For the students involved, the ordeal has added a layer of betrayal, feeling used by a legal system they trusted to advocate for their rights.

The lawsuit against Kasowitz continues to unfold, with more details expected as the case progresses.