Former Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell this week returned to Ballard Spahr LLP, where he will work on public-private partnership infrastructure developments, and energy and environmental issues.
Rendell, a Democrat, also signed on with NBC News to provide political commentary for the broadcaster and its cable station, MSNBC. He left office on Jan. 18 after serving two four-year terms. Gov. Tom Corbett, a Republican, succeeded Rendell.
Rendell was a partner at Ballard Spahr from 2000 to 2003, according to the firm’s website. His practice focuses on infrastructure and consists of P3 projects, economic development, energy, environment, health care, and higher education.
“Ballard was always one of the best law firms in Philadelphia and its profile and strength as a national firm are greater than ever before,” Rendell said in a statement. “The firm had seven offices when I left in 2003. It now has 13. This is a great time to be coming back and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s growth and stature.”
Rendell is a proponent of developing a national infrastructure reinvestment bank. Along with former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, he formed Building America’s Future, which focuses on national infrastructure investment.
“It is an honor to announce Ed’s return,” Ballard Spahr chairman Arthur Makadon said in a statement. “He is the rare person who has prominence and the insight and wisdom we value so highly. The traits that made Ed such an effective leader in the public sector — grit, intellect, and personal magnetism — will make him just as effective in the private sector representing clients of the firm and attracting new clients.”
The former governor will also weigh in on political issues on television, beginning immediately, Steve Capus, president of NBC News, announced Tuesday.
“Gov. Rendell has never been afraid to share his thoughtful analysis on national and local issues and he couldn’t be a better fit for NBC News,” Capus said in a statement. “His extensive experience serving the people of Pennsylvania gives him a unique perspective and we’re thrilled to have him on board.”
Rendell was mayor of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2000. He was chairman of the Democratic National Committee during the 2000 presidential election and the district attorney for Philadelphia from 1978 through 1985.
Rendell has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Villanova Law School.
