Former U.S. Attorney Takes Job at Chicago Law Firm

The man who helped take down former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has a new job.

Former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald will become a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP's Chicago office on Oct. 29.

During his tenure as U.S. attorney, Fitzgerald gained recognition for leading investigations into terrorism and organized crime, as well as the prosecutions of Blagojevich and former Gov. George Ryan. He stepped down as the top federal prosecutor in Chicago earlier this year.

Fitzgerald says he picked Skadden over other large firms because of its global reach and the opportunity to do some public-interest work.

Skadden has about 1,800 lawyers in 23 offices around the world, including about 170 attorneys in Chicago.

Meanwhile eight former prosecutors are being considered to take Fitzgerald's place. The six men and two women finalists were listed last week as Jonathan Bunge, Patrick Collins, Zach Fardon, Virginia Kendall, John Lausch, Lori Lightfoot, Ricardo Meza and Gil Soffer.

Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk will receive the final recommendation.