Lead Blagojevich Prosecutor Joining Chicago Law Firm
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The federal prosecutor who led the team that convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is leaving the U.S. Attorney's office to join a prominent Chicago law firm.
Reid Schar is joining Jenner & Block as a partner in the law firm's white collar criminal defense and investigations group, after 13 years with the U.S. Attorney's office, the firm announced on its website Monday morning.
"Mr. Schar is a broad-based thinker whose accomplishments at the U.S. Attorney's Office are impressive," said Jenner & Block Chairman Anton R. Valukas. "His track record and superb advocacy skills are exactly what is required to work on the types of matters our clients look to us to handle. His judgment and integrity are of the highest level."
Schar is most well-known as the lead prosecutor in the corruption case against Blagojevich, winning convictions on 18 charges after two trials.
The first trial ended in a hung jury on all but one count, but prosecutors simplified the case for retrial, winning convictions on 17 of 20 counts against the former governor. Blagojevich is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence.
Schar also successfully prosecuted Blagojevich fundraiser, Antoin "Tony" Rezko; as well as Muhammad Salah and Abdelhaleem Ashqar, two men accused of providing aid to the terrorist group Hamas.
"Jenner & Block is one of, if not the, top litigation firm in the country," Mr. Schar said. "I want to be part of a firm that is engaged in the most interesting and complex matters out there. I'll have that at Jenner."
Schar is a graduate of Northwestern University Law School and received his bachelor's degree from Stanford University.
