United Continental Holdings Inc. has hired Sara Lee Corp.'s top lawyer, Brett Hart, as its new general counsel.

The airline has been searching for a general counsel since its former top lawyer, Thomas Sabatino, decided to leave the company before the Oct. 1 formation of United Continental Holdings. Mr. Sabatino, previously a lawyer at Deerfield-based Baxter International, joined United in March from Schering Plough. That was shortly before Chicago-based UAL Corp. decided to merge with Houston-based Continental Airlines. He had been selected to be the top lawyer for the merged airline.

For the full Crain's story, click here.

United Continental Holdings Inc. has hired Sara Lee Corp.'s top lawyer, Brett Hart, as its new general counsel.

The airline has been searching for a general counsel since its former top lawyer, Thomas Sabatino, decided to leave the company before the Oct. 1 formation of United Continental Holdings. Mr. Sabatino, previously a lawyer at Deerfield-based Baxter International, joined United in March from Schering Plough. That was shortly before Chicago-based UAL Corp. decided to merge with Houston-based Continental Airlines. He had been selected to be the top lawyer for the merged airline.

For the full Crain's story, click here.