Former Sens. Bob Bennett and Byron Dorgan Hired as Lobbyists

From senators to lobbyists in one week flat.

Bob Bennett of Utah and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota have been hired as senior policy advisers by Arent Fox, the firm said on its website Tuesday.

The announcement comes a week to the day after the pair ended their congressional careers.

Bennett, a Republican, and Dorgan, a Democrat, will work together to expand "the firm's already thriving government relations practice," the statement said. The news was first reported by The New York Times.

"They bring a remarkable amount of leadership, knowledge and experience in key policy areas including taxes, energy, financial services and trade," said Mark M. Katz, Arent Fox's chairman. "They will add a tremendous amount of proven strategic, policy and business expertise that is important to our clients and our law firm."

Bennett, who served three terms in the Senate, will work mostly out of Arent Fox's Los Angeles offices, representing international clients, the firm said.

Dorgan will serve as co-chair of the firm's Government Relations Practice along with former congressman Phil English of Pennsylvania, who was hired by Arent Fox two years ago. Prior to serving three terms in the Senate, Dorgan was in the House for 12 years.