Bond acknowledged in a St. Louis press conference Tuesday morning that he is barred from engaging in lobbying activities for two years under the law, but said that lobbying was not why he decided to become a partner in the firm in the first place.
"I joined this firm to be a lawyer, not to be a lobbyist. I do not plan to be involved in lobbying Congress," Bond said.
Calling the restrictions on lobbying by former members of Congress "draconian," Bond nevertheless pledged to abide by them and not discuss matters of policy with his former colleagues in any prohibited way.
"If I see them on the street, I can say hi, but that's about all," Bond said.
Bond will be based primarily in the firm's Washington office but will also work out of the St. Louis office and maintain his second residence in Mexico, Missouri.
"At Thompson Coburn, Bond will advise clients in the areas of international trade, biotechnology, agriculture, cyberlaw and transportation and also consult on client issues that will bring economic development and job opportunities to the State of Missouri," the firm said in a press release.
Bond added that he will be making semi frequent trips to Asia as part of Missouri's initiative to increase its international trade with China and other countries in that region.
Thompson Coburn is one of the largest law firms in Missouri with over 350 attorneys. When asked whether he would fit in with some of the firm's more Democratic leaning partners, Bond said, "Gee, I hope I don't screw up their reputation."
After a long career that included being elected Missouri's youngest governor in 1973 at age 33 and serving 24 years in the Senate, Bond was asked whether he was taking on the new job for the money, for the excitement, or for some other reason. He indicated that money was at least somewhat a factor.
"My wife told me she married me for better or for worse, but not for lunch," Bond said.
(source:foreignpolicy.com)
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