Covington & Burling has picked up former Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) for its government affairs and international trade practice. Smith, who starts today, will serve as a senior adviser.
Smith tells The BLT that he will advise the firm's clients on international trade and foreign relations issues. He says he will not be lobbying for the firm.
Smith, who lost a bid for a third term in November, says that he has always had a special fondness for Covington, so when it came time to return to private practice he paid particular attention to the firm.
"When I was a boy growing up here, Covington represented my father when he ran the National Canner's Association. My father always thought the sun rose and set on Covington. I think he would be very pleased that I joined the firm," Smith says.
Smith says he is looking forward to returning to private practice after serving in Congress.
"I loved my work there. It was a high privilege but a miserable lifestyle. It's nice to have my family's schedule not determined by the majority leader," Smith says.
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