Karon B. Thornton, JD, serves as the Interim Deputy General Counsel for Health Affairs for Duke University and Duke University Health System. Thornton has been a member of the Duke University Office of General Counsel since 2008. Her legal responsibilities include litigation, risk management, patient care issues, and medical professional liability and general liability matters.

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, 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.

Originally from Kentucky, Thornton received her undergraduate degree from Centre College in 1987 and her law degree from the University of Kentucky in 1990.