Karen P. Hewitt, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, has agreed to join Jones Day as a partner in the firm’s San Diego office. She will serve in the firm’s trial practice.
Local reports indicate Hewitt ‘s resignation from the Department of Justice is effective June 11. Hewitt joined the DOJ in 1992 and was named U.S. Attorney in 2007 after the firing of Carol C. Lam. During her tenure, Hewitt expanded criminal prosecutions in the Southern District of California to the point where it became the third-busiest U.S. Attorney’s office in regard to felony prosecutions, according to a Jones Day press release.
“Karen is a widely respected attorney and has an impressive record of accomplishments as the top federal law enforcement attorney here in San Diego,” said Anthony M. Insogna, partner-in-charge of Jones Day’s San Diego Office. “Now that she has decided to move into private practice, we’re pleased that she has selected Jones Day as the law firm where she will build the next phase of her career.”
Hewitt’s arrival brings to 14 the number of partners in Jones Day’s San Diego office. There are a total of 34 legal professionals practicing in the firm’s San Diego office.
Jones Day has more than 2,500 lawyers in 32 offices throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.