Oregon Public Broadcasting

Another high-profile member of Oregon Attorney General John Kroger's legal team is stepping down.

Solicitor General Jerry Lidz gave the news to colleagues in an email.

He said he's quitting after his wife was removed as the University of Oregon's top lawyer. That decision came as school officials took heat from the Oregon Department of Justice for a hefty severance package for former Athletic Director Mike Bellotti.

Lidz is the third top Justice Department attorney to resign this year. He declined to comment.