UPDATED: U.S. Attorney Robert Balfe to Resign, Join Mitchell Williams Firm

U.S. Attorney Robert C. Balfe, 40, on Monday announced his resignation effective midnight on Jan. 4.

Balfe will join Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard of Little Rock on Jan. 5 to lead its new government investigations, enforcement and white collar crime team.

The firm said the practice will focus on white collar crime, government and internal corporate investigations, immigration, fraud, false claims and commercial litigation.

Balfe has been the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas since November 2004. Before that, he was state prosecuting attorney for Benton County from 2001-04.

Most recently, Balfe had led the prosecution of former Wal-Mart executive Tom Coughlin, was convicted of fraud. Coughlin finished his home detention sentence last month.

"Bob’s in-depth understanding of the issues involved in criminal cases will enable him to provide comprehensive and strategic counsel and representation to our clients," Mitchell Williams Managing Director Harry Hamlin said in a news release. "He is highly respected for his outstanding record as a federal prosecutor and his ability to be measured and fair. He is an important addition to our firm."

In 2008, Balfe’s office joined with the Internal Revenue Service to start a new task force to find and prosecuting those committing financial crimes. His office also emphasized the prosecution of violent crime, drug trafficking, white collar fraud and immigration violations.

"In making the transition from government service to private practice, I sought an opportunity that would draw on the full range of my skills and experience," Balfe said. "Mitchell Williams' prominent litigation group and commitment to expand to meet the needs and demands of today’s global business climate made it an obvious choice for me."

Balfe lives in Bella Vista with his wife, Jennifer, and two sons.

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