Founded in 1960, the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) offers legal services for universities and colleges. The University of Michigan, University of Alabama, Northwestern, and several Ivy League schools are responsible for developing the Association. It has grown to membership of almost 1500 campuses and 3500 attorneys. During the 1970’s, NACUA became extremely popular due to the large increase in federal regulations.

The Association exists to strengthen legal aid to colleges in universities through education of lawyers and administration regarding legal issues pertaining to campus. The NACUA publishes material, sponsors seminars, and operates a website in attempt to share the most legal knowledge as possible with universities. If a university has a concern, a lawyer can address it though the NACUA network.

NACUA is primarily comprised of non-profit, accredited institutions of higher educations in the United States and Canada. Private institutions whose enrollments do not exceed 5,000 students and expenditures do not exceed 50 million annually account of 1/3 of the membership. A primary attorney represents each institution. Representatives are invited to attend NACUA meetings and workshops as well as serving on committees or the Board of Directors.

Colleges and universities are the only entities qualified for full membership. However, there is an Associate Institutional membership which is available to organizations which to do not meet the above criterion, but have an educational mission. The National Association of College and University Attorneys continues  to grow welcoming several new institutions as members every year.