University of Michigan hired a new chief attorney who will earn 28 percent more than what his predecessor earned.
The Ann Arbor school recently tapped Timothy G. Lynch, a top attorney at the U.S. Department of Energy, as the school's next general counsel— effective Jan. 7.
Lynch will earn $400,000, according to U-M spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald.
That's nearly $88,000 more than Suellyn Scarnecchia, who earned $312,206 at the time of her departure in May.
Timothy Lynch
According to U-M's salary database, Scarnecchia's salary was paid entirely out of the university's general fund, which is comprised primarily of tuition, fees and state appropriations.
Scarnecchia left administration to return to teaching at U-M's law school.
Upon resignation, Scarnecchia also received a $50,000 stipend and a semester off. As is custom for administrators who return to teaching, Scarnecchia will continue to earn her $312,206 salary for the first year of her return.
In addition to his time as the energy department's deputy general counsel for litigation and enforcement, Lynch has worked as assistant chief litigation counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions, an assistant United States attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and a law clerk.
He graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1995, where he served as editor of the school's law journal. He has also taught there as an adjunct and at the University of Virginia's law school.
As a vice president and general counsel for U-M, Lynch will be responsible for handling legal affairs and setting strategic direction for the office.
When compared with 2011 figures, the latest available, Lynch will be the fourth highest-paid vice president of the university and highest paid non-executive vice president of the university.
How does Lynch's salary compare with the earnings of the top legal officials at other elite public schools?
Paul Forch, general counsel to University of Virginia's president, earned a base of $222,800 in 2010, the latest year available in a Collegiate Times database. University of California at Los Angeles Vice Chancellor of Legal Affairs Kevin S. Reed earned $265,500 in 2011, according to a public database. Barry D Burgdorf, vice chancellor and general counsel for the nine-school University of Texas system, earned $444,830, according to a Texas Tribune database that was last updated in February.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.