President Bollinger looking at interim co-general counsels

March 4, 1997
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  • umichnews@umich.edu

ANN ARBOR—University of Michigan President Lee C. Bollinger will recommend the appointment of two experienced lawyers to serve as the University’s interim co-general counsels. The recommendation will go to the U-M Board of Regents at its March 13-14 meeting.

Elizabeth M. Barry, director of academic human resources, and Daniel H. Sharphorn, assistant general counsel, will share the responsibility of overseeing the University’s legal affairs.

Their appointment, effective March 15, will allow for a transition period with Elsa Kircher Cole, who recently announced her resignation as general counsel.

Bollinger said, “I am comfortable with and confident about the shared leadership that will be provided by Liz and Dan. They will provide the guidance and experience we need as the University searches for a new general counsel.”

Barry, who joined the U-M Office of Human Resources and Affirmative Action in November 1996, will be responsible for advising the president and the Board of Regents on various legal matters.

Before joining the U-M staff, she was a university attorney with Harvard University, where she specialized in employment issues. She received her J.D. degree from the U-M Law School and a bachelor of arts degree from the U-M.

Sharphorn will manage the day-to-day operations of the general counsel’s office, including overseeing pending litigation and managing the University’s legal staff.

Sharphorn joined the University in 1982 as a policy adviser to University President Harold T. Shapiro. He became assistant general counsel in January 1987. He also is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Sociology.

Sharphorn received his J.D., a master of social work degree and a master of arts degree in sociology from the U-M. He earned a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Military Academy.

Plans for a search for the permanent general counsel will be forthcoming soon.

Board of Regents