John Edwards Returns With Plans To Launch New Law Firm

John Edwards is looking to get back into the legal game with a recent report suggesting that he is looking to launch a new law firm.

According to CNN, the former Democratic presidential candidate is planning on opening a law firm in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a focus on plaintiff’s work. Prior to his political career, John Edwards specialized in medical malpractice, personal injury and product liability lawsuits. His career as a lawyer made him a millionaire.

His latest comeback follows a sordid and often scandal-ridden political career. He was a 2004 candidate for vice president who went on to seek the bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, but an admitted extramarital affair hampered his political ambitions.

At the time the scandal broke, the former North Carolina senator denied paternity of his mistress’ daughter, but eventually admitted to being the father of the girl. He later legally separated from his wife, Elizabeth. Eleven months later, she died of cancer.

Then, the Justice Department accused Edwards of using $1 million in campaign contributions to illegally keep his pregnant mistress a secret. He was acquitted in May 2012 on one of the six counts against him and deadlocked on the other five.

He apologized publicly after the trial.

“While I do not believe I did anything illegal or ever thought I was doing anything illegal, I did an awful, awful lot that was wrong. And there is no one else responsible for my sins,” he said.

Edwards will speak Wednesday at a retreat in Florida for law firms. This will mark one of his first public appearances since his criminal trial.

Adding further fuel to speculation, Edwards recently reactivated his law license in North Carolina. His rumored firm will open in September of this year.

What do you think of John Edwards’ comeback aspirations? Will the public trust him again? Sound off!

[Image via: John Edwards 2008]