Pittsburgh — Spilman Thomas & Battle (Spilman) today announced that former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has joined the law firm, further strengthening the firm's team in Pennsylvania.

"Governor Corbett will be a phenomenal addition to Spilman, and to both our Pittsburgh and Greater Harrisburg offices," said Michael J. Basile, the firm's Managing Member. "His breadth of knowledge and experience gained as U.S. Attorney, Attorney General and Governor are truly unmatched in the marketplace, and we are honored by his decision to join the firm."

Corbett will provide strategic counsel to companies involved in high-stakes litigation and will advise businesses and corporate executives who are the target of government investigations. Corbett also will counsel clients on public policy issues and guide them through regulatory matters.

As a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and a former Attorney General, Corbett has vast experience in conducting and organizing highly successful and complex investigations and litigation.

"In addition to being a fine lawyer, Governor Corbett has had a long and distinguished career as a prosecutor and as an executive," said Ron Schuler, Member in Charge of Spilman's Pittsburgh office. "We have gone out of our way over the years to bring people to the firm who have had significant experience in the real world. For our business clients, Governor Corbett is the ultimate insider--he's been there, on the other side of the fence, and he knows how prosecutors and government agencies work."

As Governor, Corbett was recognized nationally for his innovative approach to energy development and historic infrastructure improvements. He made smart investments in education, health care and modernizing state government. Furthermore, the judges he nominated to the bench received wide bipartisan support.

“Governor Corbett’s extensive background as the ultimate public servant to the Commonwealth will enhance Spilman’s ability to provide comprehensive legal services throughout the state, and we are particularly excited by the addition of his wide array of public policy and regulatory experience in serving our clients in the Capital region," said Derrick Price Williamson, Member in Charge of the firm's Harrisburg office.

Corbett guided the state through difficult economic times and commanded the state’s response to numerous natural disasters. He closed a $4 billion deficit inherited from his predecessor and balanced the state’s budget each year in office without raising taxes.

Corbett was involved in high-level and complex negotiations to secure the Shell ethylene cracker plant, a multi-billion dollar investment in southwestern Pennsylvania. He also prevented two Philadelphia-area refineries from closing. Corbett led international trade missions to Europe and South America and has extensive knowledge of how to help clients doing business internationally.

As Attorney General, Corbett was the state’s top law enforcement and legal officer. He rooted out public corruption at historic levels and developed a reputation as a crime fighter and for protecting consumers.

Additionally, Corbett has vast experience with the changing health care landscape, having reviewed and litigated numerous hospital mergers as attorney general.

Corbett will be headquartered in Spilman’s Pittsburgh office.

Since leaving office, Corbett has taught law at Duquesne University Law School.

Corbett earned his undergraduate degree from Lebanon Valley College and a law degree from St. Mary’s School of Law.

About Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC
Spilman Thomas & Battle is a full-service, super-regional law firm serving local, regional, national and international businesses. Founded in 1864, Spilman has offices in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Charleston, Morgantown and Wheeling, West Virginia; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Roanoke, Virginia.