Lexington, Ky.— Morgan & Pottinger, P.S.C. announced today that former U.S. Congressman Ben Chandler has joined the firm as of counsel. Chandler will work out of the firm’s Lexington and Louisville offices, counseling clients experiencing both civil and criminal legal issues arising from government regulation. He will also provide crisis management and general legal consulting services.
Chandler will lend his experience and years in public service to provide assistance and consultation to individuals, companies and trade groups who interact with local, state and federal government agencies. He will support several of the firm’s practice areas, including banking and finance, business law and litigation, white collar crimes and equine law.
“Ben’s policy expertise, integrity and relationships will be a great resource to our clients,” said John McGarvey, M&P shareholder and chair of the firm’s executive committee. “Our attorneys draw on a wide range of experiences to address complex legal issues, and we are excited to have Ben’s understanding of government and industry to better serve our clients.”
Chandler joins M&P after a 21-year career in politics. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Kentucky’s sixth congressional district from February 2004 through January 2013. Prior to his work as a Congressman, Chandler was the Attorney General of Kentucky (1996-2004) and the Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts (1992-1996).
“As the top prosecutor in Kentucky for eight years which focused on prosecutions for public corruption and white collar crimes, Ben’s experience is a unique resource for people and corporations who become ensnared in the complex federal and state criminal justice systems,” said Scott White, head of the firm’s Business Law & Litigation and White Collar Crimes practice groups.
As Attorney General, Chandler was involved in Phase I and Phase II of the Cigarette Manufacturers Settlement generating hundreds of millions of dollars for Kentucky over a 25-year span and a separate pool of dollars that went directly to Kentucky farmers. He was also responsible for the establishment of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky following a $45 million settlement.
“I have been fortunate to serve individuals, organizations and businesses across Kentucky through my work in the public sector,” said Chandler. “I look forward to applying that experience at Morgan & Pottinger to help businesses make better decisions on legal issues impacted by state and federal regulators.”
In addition to serving his clients at M&P, beginning July 1, Chandler will serve as the executive director of the Kentucky Humanities Council. An independent nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C., the Council tells Kentucky’s story and promotes the state’s culture.
An eighth generation Woodford County native, Chandler lives on land that has been in his family since 1784. He graduated with distinction from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Chandler opened a private law practice before beginning his career in politics.
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