Boucher joins law, lobby firm Sidley Austin

Former Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) has joined a well-known law and lobby firm.

Boucher will be a partner at Sidley Austin and will lead its government strategies practice group.

{mosads}“Rick has earned the respect of Democrats and Republicans alike for his intelligent approach to complex technology and energy issues and the even-handed leadership he displayed in the crafting of pivotal legislation,” said Thomas Cole, chairman of the firm’s executive committee, in a statement. “He will provide invaluable guidance for the growth of the firm’s public policy work.”

Boucher said the firm was “a natural choice” for him.

“Sidley offers a truly unique opportunity for me to promote the growth of a public policy group that brings together lawyers renowned for their leadership in areas I have focused on for much of my career, such as technology, telecommunications, life sciences, financial services, energy and the environment,” Boucher said. “I am always drawn to excellence and substance, so Sidley was a natural choice for me.”

Boucher served 14 terms in the House before losing his reelection bid last year to Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.). In Congress, Boucher played a big role in debates over energy and tech issues as chairman of the House Energy and Air Quality and the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittees.