The University of Michigan’s hiring of an outside law firm to investigate the culture of the university’s athletic department and former head football coach Sherrone Moore has cost it over $9.5 million so far, according to the latest disclosures released Friday.
Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block charged the university over $3.3 million for the work done in February, according to two invoices released to The Detroit News through a Freedom of Information Act request. One invoice was for $2,048,900.21, and the second was for $1,329,990.44.
Jenner & Block was hired by Michigan on Nov. 13, 2025, to investigate after Moore, who was fired Dec. 10, 2025, after the university found evidence he was having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The university’s regents approved the firm to investigate the athletic department, and athletic director Warde Manuel said in December that he requested the investigation. The firm was retained on Dec. 11.
“The University of Michigan makes significant investments in athletics, which is a source of pride for our U-M community, and this investigation is being resourced to help strengthen our athletics program moving forward,” Paul Corliss, assistant vice president for Public Affairs and Internal Communications, wrote in a statement to The News in February.
“Conducting a thorough legal review of complex and high stakes issues at a college or university requires significant time, specialized expertise and resources. In this case, the work involves two related but distinct efforts: a review concerning Sherrone Moore’s conduct and a broader assessment of the culture within the athletic department. The University is committed to ensuring both are handled with the seriousness, independence and care they require.”
Moore’s former executive assistant, Paige Shiver, said in a statement earlier this month that the university failed to protect her from “years of manipulation, harassment, and exploitation” by Moore. She called on the university to conduct a thorough investigation and take action.
“Institutions entrusted with the education and safety of students and employees have a fundamental duty to ensure that power is never used to exploit or silence others,” said the statement released by Shiver’s lawyer. “A thorough and transparent investigation into this conduct — and any related institutional failures — must occur. Our client came forward at tremendous personal cost because she believes that silence allows abuse of power to continue.”
In March, Moore pleaded no contest to a trespassing charge and a malicious use of a telecommunications device charge, which might result in up to six months in jail. Troy defense attorney Wade Fink said the agreement will likely lead to no jail time and might even result in the case disappearing eventually from court records.
Moore’s sentencing is scheduled next week on April 14.
“It is in everyone’s best interests to just get this done,” Moore’s attorney, Ellen Michaels, said after the hearing. “Sometimes you want to move on, you want to close a chapter. … In this case, the system worked. What they originally charged, they were dismissed, and he was innocent of those (charges).”
Moore originally faced charges of third-degree home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and misdemeanor breaking and entering, but all three were dismissed as part of Friday’s deal. Police and prosecutors said he entered Shiver’s home without permission after he was fired. According to prosecutors, Moore threatened Shiver and himself with kitchen butter knives and told her that “my blood is on your hands.”
satwood@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Sherrone Moore-inspired probe into Michigan athletics approaches $10M
Reporting by Sarah Atwood, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
