Former congressman Mike McIntyre’s next career step became public Monday when the Raleigh-based Poyner Spruill LLP announced in a news release that the nine-term representative had joined the law firm, effective Monday.

McIntyre will focus on government relations and economic development as an adviser for Poyner Spruill, according to firm spokeswoman Hillary Davis.

His government experience and knowledge of many industries will be beneficial for the firm, its managing partner said in the release.

“Congressman McIntyre brings a deep knowledge of local, state and federal issues and a proven ability to work across political lines,” Joseph B. Dempster Jr. said. “His experience with agriculture, military, health care, coastal, business and economic development issues will be a tremendous asset for our clients, and we are delighted to have him join the firm.”

McIntyre, a Lumberton Democrat, was first elected to Congress in 1996, representing North Carolina’s 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. While in Congress, he served as the No. 2 ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee and the No. 3 ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. In 2014, he decided against another run for the seat he had held for 18 years.

Before being elected to Congress, he had worked as a private attorney for 15 years, according to the release.

“While practicing law, McIntyre managed his own North Carolina firm,” the release stated. “He was admitted to practice in the state courts, as well as the Eastern and Middle Districts of the U.S. District Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. His reinstatement is currently pending before the North Carolina State Bar.” 

McIntyre, a Morehead Scholar, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978 as a political science major. He received his law degree from UNC in 1981. University of North Carolina Wilmington awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for distinction in public service.