John Bouma of Snell & Wilmer has been hired by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, reports the Phoenix Business Journal. Five suits have been filed thus far against the governor’s office challenging the legality of senate bill 1070 and other state legislation relating to immigration policy. Most notably SB 1070 gives law enforcement officials the right to request proof of citizenship of anyone detained who appears to be in the country illegally.
The Journal also reported that the state attorney general, who does not support the SB 1070, declined to represent the governor. The governor’s legal fees will be paid from a legal defense fund that is currently raising cash.
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is Phoenix based firm with approximately 450 attorneys and 8 offices throughout the United States.