Neil Barofsky, 40, like many government officials before him, sought the serenity of academia, when he accepted an invitation to become a senior fellow at New York University School of Law.  What sets Mr. Barofsky apart from the others is his most recent experience - as the chief watchdog of the government’s $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program. 

Mr. Barofsky announced in February that he would step down from his post as special inspector general of the bailout program to spend more time with his family.  Yet, within days, Mr. Barofsky was contacted by the Law School dean about coming to NYU.  During his 2 hectic years in Washington, his office charged a few dozen people with civil or criminal fraud stemming from the bailout program, according to his resignation letter.  Mr. Barofsky had previously served as a federal prosecutor in Manhattan for more than 8 years.

    Mr. Barofsky's Ties With NYU.   His ties with NYU go back to 1995, when he graduated magna cum laude from NYU’s law school.   "I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to the law school," said Mr. Barofsky, who will begin his teaching and research post on April 1.  He'll work with both the school’s Center on the Administration of Criminal Law and its program on law and business, and is expected to teach a class on a subject near to his heart - the government’s handling of the financial crisis.   [NYT Dealbook, 3/1]