Personnel note: Former Gov. Bentley staffer joins Birmingham law firm

Blake Hale Hardwich, who recently left Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley‘s office as deputy chief of staff for administration, has joined Birmingham firm Adams & Reese as special counsel on the government relations practice team, the firm announced Tuesday.

Hardwich served two years in the Bentley administration where she advised on legislative matters, public policy initiatives, strategic planning efforts, and administrative initiatives. Prior to her government role, Blake served as director of The Alabama Prosperity Project, an online educational resource designed to inform voters of legislative issues and instill in them a desire to take action. Blake also previously served as director of external affairs for Manufacture Alabama, a trade association representing Alabama-based manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses.

“We are proud to welcome Blake to Adams and Reese,” said Britton Bonner, the law firm’s economic development team leader, partner in charge of the firm’s Mobile office, and a government relations attorney. “Her unique public and private sector experience will continue to enhance our growing governmental relations team. Blake’s addition further strengthens our ability to help meet the business objectives and economic development goals of our clients. We are thrilled to have Blake join with attorney Mark Gaines as they lead our governmental relations practice in Alabama.”

Hardwich earned her J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2002 and a B.A. in political Science from Auburn University in 1999.

“I am excited to join a firm with such a strong presence in government relations and a focus on helping clients pursue economic development projects throughout the Southeast,” Hardwich said of her new position. “I look forward to working with other Adams and Reese attorneys to turn client issues into solutions.”

Hardwich is yet another staffer who’s moved through the revolving door of Bentley’s office this past year. His longtime spokeswoman, Jennifer Ardis, resigned in June. Seth Hammett, his former chief of staff, resigned last October.