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.