Interim Deputy General Counsel for Health Affairs
Karon Thornton joined the Office of University Counsel in August 2008. Her responsibilities include litigation (across both Duke University and the health system), risk management, patient care issues, professional malpractice and general liability claims.
Ms. Thornton was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 1990 and began practicing law at a prominent regional law firm in Raleigh where she was a partner from 1998-2008. While in private practice, Ms. Thornton represented hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers in civil litigation and administrative disciplinary proceedings in both state and federal court. She also defended product liability and general liability claims and argued cases in the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Ms. Thornton received her undergraduate degree from Centre College in 1987 and her law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1990.