Patrick J. Fitzgerald, the former U.S. Attorney in Chicago, is joining Skadden Arps in Chicago, effective October 29.

Fitzgerald will focus on internal corporate investigations as well as civil litigation and arbitration.

In 2001, Fitzgerald was appointed by President George W. Bush as U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois.

Fitzgerald led numerous high-profile investigations and prosecutions, including the convictions on corruption charges of two successive governors of Illinois – George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich – and the fraud conviction of media figure Conrad Black.

As a special counsel, Fitzgerald was selected to lead the investigation of leaks in the Valerie Plame matter and tried the case of United States v. Lewis “Scooter” Libby.

Prior to his 2001 appointment, Mr. Fitzgerald spent 13 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York.

“Pat Fitzgerald is one of the most respected lawyers in America. Skadden clients will benefit from his unparalleled skills in the courtroom coupled with his well-deserved reputation for independence and integrity,” said David M. Zornow, chief of Skadden’s Litigation/Controversy practices.

“Pat’s extraordinary skills as an investigator and trial lawyer will complement our very talented team of litigators in Chicago,” said Brian W. Duwe, head of Skadden’s Chicago office. “We are thrilled to have him join us.”

Fitzgerald began his legal career in 1985 as a litigation associate at a New York-based firm before moving to the U.S. Attorney’s office in New York.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Mr. Fitzgerald earned his undergraduate degree from Amherst College.