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New GC Named at Tiffany, Coming Soon to Princeton University

By Gabriella Khorasanee, JD on April 16, 2014 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

They say "diamonds are forever," but not so for general counsel. Last week, Tiffany announced that Patrick B. Dorsey, Tiffany's general counsel and secretary will retire, effective May 22, 2014.

That's not all, Princeton University is also losing its general counsel -- and the position is not yet filled. Looking for a new job in New Jersey anyone?

Tiffany Names New General Counsel

Tiffany's Patrick Dorsey has been general counsel for 29 years, and Tiffany Chairman and CEO, Michael J. Kowalski stated: "I can only express immense appreciation for Pat's enormous contributions since joining Tiffany in 1985. Pat played a pivotal role in Tiffany's initial public offering in 1987." He added, "Beyond his keen legal mind, Pat is an astute business person, serving as an insightful and creative advisor over these many years."

Replacing him is Leigh M. Harlan, and she will have the titles senior vice president, secretary and general counsel, reports Corporate Counsel. Her main responsibilities will include overseeing Tiffany's worldwide legal affairs. Ms. Harlan joined Tiffany in 2012 after a stint at BigLaw at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. She received her BA from Boston College, Master's from Harvard University, and J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

Kowalski praised Harlan, stating, "Since joining Tiffany, Leigh has proven herself invaluable, demonstrating a sharp, agile intellect, keen legal acumen and strong leadership skills." He added, "We are confident in Leigh's abilities to oversee our highly-talented legal department and delighted to have her as a counselor on a range of legal matters affecting our global business."

Princeton University Is Hiring

Princeton University's General Counsel Peter McDonough has announced that he plans to step down at the end of the academic year, and take a sabbatical year. During that time, he has stated that he will be available to ease the transition to -- we don't know yet.

McDonough has been with the University since 1990, and has been general counsel since 2002. Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber stated, "Pete McDonough has been a trusted adviser, a skilled legal representative and a devoted member of the University community for over two decades and has also been a national leader among college and university attorneys."

Have any aspirations to being general counsel of a prestigious Ivy League institution? Update your resumes now. A successor has not yet been named, and the University "hopes to have a new GC in place by July 1," reports Corporate Counsel.

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