Updated: 4:41 p.m.

Former Rep. Rick Boucher, who lost his seat in last year’s midterm elections, has landed a post-Hill career as leader of law firm Sidley Austin’s new government strategies practice.

The Virginia Democrat, who had been in the House since 1983, was on the Judiciary and the Energy and Commerce committees.

“Rick has earned the respect of Democrats and Republicans alike for his intelligent approach to complex technology and energy issues and the even-handed leadership he displayed in the crafting of pivotal legislation,” Thomas Cole, chairman of the firm’s executive committee, said in a statement. “He will provide invaluable guidance for the growth of the firm’s public policy work.”

Boucher will work with Sidley partner Daron Watts to expand the law firm’s government practice.

The former Member could not be immediately reached for comment on his new job. But he said in a statement that Sidley “offers a truly unique opportunity for me to promote the growth of a public policy group that brings together lawyers renowned for their leadership in areas I have focused on for much of my career, such as technology, telecommunications, life sciences, financial services, energy and the environment.”

He added that the law firm was a natural choice for him.