Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce that Wisconsin Senator Joe Leibham will join as public affairs director in the firm’s Madison office on December 8.
Leibham will officially assume management of the firm’s Wisconsin government relations practice on January 1, 2015, a position held by partner Ray Carey for 15 years. Carey will remain with the firm and assist with Leibham’s transition.
“We are pleased to welcome Senator Leibham as the new head of the firm’s government relations practice in Wisconsin,” said Foley Chairman and CEO Jay Rothman. “Building on the robust relationships established by Ray Carey and our national public affairs group, Sen. Leibham brings deep legislative experience and intimate knowledge of how public policy is developed. He will help our clients effectively navigate the legislative, regulatory and political landscapes in Wisconsin state government.”
In his new role at Foley, Leibham will oversee the firm’s public affairs work with the state legislature, the Governor’s Office and state agencies on behalf of clients.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to work with the state’s largest law firm. I look forward to helping clients strengthen relationships with key government stakeholders to achieve their goals,” said Leibham, who represented the state’s 9th Senate District, encompassing Sheboygan, Manitowoc and parts of Calumet counties.
While serving in the Wisconsin Senate, Leibham held the titles of President Pro Tempore, Republican Caucus Chair and Assistant Minority Leader. He also served on the Joint Finance Committee for three legislative sessions, in addition to serving as Chairman of the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Transportation, Veteran’s and Military Affairs, Information Infrastructure and the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules.
He also served on Senate committees focused on the areas of biotechnology, elections, local government, public safety and workforce readiness. Leibham holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has also worked for Sargento Foods, Inc. and the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce.