DETROIT — Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has joined a prominent Michigan law firm as a partner following his 12 years as the mayor of Michigan's largest city.

Duggan will join Detroit-based Honigman's government relations and public policy practice group a few months after abandoning his independent bid to be the state's next governor.

"I’ve always admired the way their talented attorneys and professionals help their clients solve even the most complex challenges," Duggan said in a statement announcing his hire. "I’m looking forward to becoming a partner to contribute to the continued growth of another storied Detroit institution.”

Before taking the helm in Detroit in 2014, Duggan served as chief executive officer of Detroit Medical Center and also worked as a Wayne County prosecutor and a deputy county executive under the administration of Ed McNamara.

Honigman Chairman and CEO David Foltyn called Duggan a "transformative public servant and proven leader" whose experience aligns with Honigman's strengths and client needs.

"Businesses today increasingly operate at the intersection of law, government, regulation, public policy, economic development, and community engagement," Foltyn said in a statement. "Mike’s judgment, relationships, and strategic insight will enhance our ability to help clients navigate complex matters, conduct sensitive investigations, manage difficult stakeholder issues, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.”

The firm has offices in Michigan, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Israel.

Duggan first won Detroit's mayoral race through an improbable write-in campaign in 2014, as the city was emerging from bankruptcy, and served in that role for 12 years.

Last year, he abandoned his Democratic credentials to run as an independent candidate for governor, expressing disappointment with the direction the party was headed. He abandoned his gubernatorial bid in May.

Duggan said Friday he does not envision much in the way of government work in his new role and that he will not be lobbying. He said Honigman made him an offer three or four weeks ago and it became a “pretty easy decision.”

“I wanted to stay in the city,” Duggan told The Detroit News. “There are so many exciting things happening here, and I wanted to be able to be here and enjoy it without having to worry about whether the trash was picked up or the cops were moving traffic. And I wanted to go back to the private sector.”

Duggan, a University of Michigan Law School graduate, noted he began his legal career working with businesses and looks forward to returning to it.

“Getting deals done has been what I’ve done my whole life,” Duggan said. “I actually started out in corporate law and I’m coming back to it.”

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