Former Speaker Thomas Foley will specialize in international affairs at the Washington-based law firm that formally announced his hiring.
Foley has joined the firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld as a partner."We believe his legal and diplomatic skills will be a tremendous asset as we continue to build our firm," the firm said Thursday in a statement.
"In view of his excellent judgment and impeccable reputation, as well as his extensive experience in dealing with sensitive and complex situations over the years, Speaker Foley will also advise firm clients on a variety of matters of legal and corporate strategy, including corporate governance, dispute resolution and negotiations."
Foley, a Democrat, lost re-election to Washington state's 5th Congressional District seat in the November elections.
Akin, Gump employs more than 500 attorneys in Washington, New York; Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, Texas; Brussels and Moscow.
Foley said he was looking forward to practicing law again.
"I look forward to the challenge of helping American companies position themselves to compete successfully in an increasingly competitive marketplace," he said.
Foley graduated from the University of Washington law school. Before becoming involved in politics, he was a prosecutor in Spokane County, a state assistant attorney general and an instructor at the Gonzaga School of Law.