Sean FitzGerald, the general counsel at Bowling Green State University near Toledo, Ohio, was to begin serving a 30-day jail sentence Monday after being found in contempt of court while representing himself in divorce proceedings. However, an appeals court has granted him a stay while he appeals the criminal contempt order.

Court records say FitzGerald acted “unprofessional and intimidating,” was untruthful with the court and “has had discovery disputes with almost every lawyer in the case.”

A university statement obtained by Corporate Counsel said the school learned of the contempt sentencing the afternoon of April 12 and immediately placed FitzGerald on administrative leave. FitzGerald, 58, did not return an emailed message seeking comment.