National law firm Ballard Spahr has hired John J. Rice to serve the law firm’s San Diego office as of counsel, according to a press release.

Formerly a federal prosecutor, Rice is an experienced litigator regarding white collar and securities issues and his legal recruitment is bound to benefit the law firm His law practice is slated to center on the defense of white collar criminals and intricate securities issues.

“John is a great addition to our team,” practice leader Henry E. Hockeimer, Jr. with the Ballard Spahr  white collar/investigations group said. “His distinguished background as a federal prosecutor dovetails nicely with the federal agency experience many of our other lawyers have, giving the team special insight into how government regulators operate.”

With 15 years of experience devoted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rice worked on cases regarding public corruption. He most recently served as the assistant U.S. attorney with the office in the Southern District of California.

Managing partner Thomas W. McNamara with the San Diego office said Rice joining the practice will provide additional strength to the staff of white collar defense attorneys.