Ralph Weber, one of Milwaukee’s best-known trial lawyers, is taking his career in a new direction, becoming general counsel of Marquette University, an 11,000-student, private institution with which he has deep ties.

Marquette on Wednesday announced Weber’s appointment. He has been serving as acting general counsel since the November departure of Paul Jones. Jones stepped down to lead corporate development and strategy at the water heater and boiler manufacturer A.O. Smith Corp.