The University of Michigan has tapped a top attorney at the U.S. Department of Energy to become the next lead attorney at the Ann Arbor school.

Timothy G. Lynch, deputy general counsel for litigation and enforcement with the USDOE, will succeed Suellyn Scarnecchia as the next vice president and general counsel of U-M.

His appointment becomes effective January 7.

Lynch has had a long career in public service.

In addition to his time at the energy department —where he also served as acting general counsel from December 2011 through April 2012— he 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 general counsel for U-M, Lynch will be responsible for handling legal affairs and setting strategic direction for the office.

"I look forward to the leadership, depth of experience, and vision that Mr. Lynch will bring to the university as vice president and general counsel," U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said in a recommendation to the regents.

Scarnecchia stepped down in May to return to teaching at the law school. She received a $50,000 stipend and a semester off.

The search committee was chaired by Sally Churchill, vice president and secretary of the university. During the search, Associate General Counsel Debra Kowich served as interim vice president and general.

Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.