Former Gov. Mike Beebe said Thursday he has joined the Roberts Group of Little Rock.
Roberts Group is made up of the Roberts Law Firm PA; Roberts GR Strategies LLC; Made in USA Works LLC; and Roberts International LLC.
Managing Partner Mike Roberts said Beebe will be senior vice president of business development for Made in USA Works of Bentonville and Roberts International and will be "of counsel" to the law firm.
"Obviously, he'll provide a lot of depth and resources," Roberts said. "We are truly blessed to have him here."
Made in USA Works helps companies bring manufacturing to the United States, in part for a Wal-Mart initiative to sell more American-made goods, and Roberts International helps companies sell products in the United States, Roberts said.
Roberts stressed that the two-term governor will not lobby but will consult with Roberts GR Strategies. Arkansas Code 21-1-402 (g) prohibits a governor from registering as a lobbyist for one year after leaving office.
Beebe said he wants to help the group with economic development and business clients who want to locate in Arkansas.
"I'm not really a full-time lawyer. I'm going to work with them on some areas that I've always had an interest in, particularly as governor, with economic development and opportunities to help Arkansas and help that firm with some of the things they do in the areas of business clients that want to expand or stay or come to Arkansas," he said.
Beebe said he wanted to work for the group after seeing it work with Wal-Mart and foreign companies interested in the state.
"I'd seen some of their work with potential investments, particularly from China into Arkansas and some of their work with Wal-Mart," he said. "It was interesting and intriguing."
Beebe practiced law in Searcy until becoming attorney general in 2003.
Beebe said he began the process Wednesday of petitioning to have his law license restored to active status.
Metro on 03/06/2015