Mel Martinez's career plans after leaving the Senate appear to be bringing him to Tampa. The Orlando Republican is joining the offices of DLA Piper as a partner in its Washington and Tampa offices, according to Legal Times. DLA Piper partner Ignacio Sanchez confirmed the news following a partnership vote. Martinez, who left the Senate earlier this month, starts at the firm on Oct. 1, Legal Times reported. "When he announced he was going to retire and let the governor appoint someone to finish out the term, I immediately talked to him and said, you really ought to consider looking at our firm. I think you would really do well, and we would love to have you," Sanchez said. The former senator will be banned from lobbying for two years, though Sanchez said he will be able to advise clients on a range of issues. |