Rep. Wynn Resigns Early to Join D.C.'s Dickstein Shapiro
Veteran U.S. Rep. Albert R. Wynn, D-Md., announced this week he’s resigning from Congress early to become a partner at Dickstein Shapiro, which is known in part for a strong lobbying practice.
Wynn will join the firm’s public policy practice, a release notes.
“I have known Congressman Wynn since our days in law school together, and I am delighted that he is joining Dickstein Shapiro,” says Michael Nannes, Dickstein Shapiro’s Chairman. “The Congressman has led a very distinguished career in public service, and spent 10 years at the helm of his own law firm. His knowledge of the law, the government, and the public policy process is an invaluable asset to our clients and our practice.”
Wynn, who was defeated last month after eight terms in Congress, will resign in June. His term, however ends in January, potentially leaving his Maryland constituents in flux, the Washington Post reports.
Residents, the Post reports, are concerned they will be without representation for months unless they hold a costly election. Congressional ethics also questioned Wynn’s early departure, especially because he didn’t make his resignation effective immediately.
“Typically once somebody announces their departure, they start packing their bags,” Kenneth A. Gross, an ethics expert at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom is quoted saying. “It’s hard to legislate when people are already thinking of you in the private sector.”
Wynn declined to comment to the Post outside of a statement that it was time for him to move on to a new phase in his life.
In the firm’s release Wynn said, “I look forward to returning to the legal community and am excited by the opportunity to pursue new challenges.”
He further cited a number of Georgetown University Law Center classmates at the firm and noted that it is a place known for prioritizing diversity and quality of life.
