Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who had every reason a year ago to think she would be taking office as attorney general this month, instead will become associated with the Hartford law firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy next week.
In a telephone interview Friday, Bysiewicz denied rumors she is about to form an exploratory committee with an eye toward running for U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman’s seat in 2012.
“I don’t have any immediate plans to do anything,” she said.
Bysiewicz withdrew as a candidate for A.G. after the Supreme Court concluded she lacked the 10 years of active legal experience in Connecticut required by state law.
Updike Kelly is a firm with longstanding Democratic ties. One founding partner is Peter Kelly, the former Democratic national finance chair. Another is Bourke Spellacy, a lobbyist and counsel to the Metropolitan District Commission. An Updike partner, Robert Martino, advised her campaign.
Bysiewicz will be “of counsel,” the status given lawyers who are associated with a firm, yet are not a partner or associate.