Senate lawyer going to work as a lobbyist

Tracy Kimbrell has been Berger's general counsel for three years. The Senate leader announced on the floor Wednesday that she was leaving the state Senate this fall.

She "has, in my view, done a very good job – masterful job – of leading us in many respects through three sessions and keeping us, for the most part, out of trouble," Berger said. "We all wish her well in her future endeavors and are certain that we will see our paths cross many times again."

That seems all the more likely, given her new job.

Kimbrell will join the Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein law firm as a partner and co-chair of the government relations and lobbying team. It's something of a homecoming for her, since she worked at the firm as an associate before joining Berger's staff.

“Even before her work in the state Senate, Tracy was well-regarded as a lawyer and a lobbyist because of her high standards and work on behalf of her clients," said Bruce Thompson, who heads Parker Poe's government relations group. "Through her public service, she has gained the further respect and admiration of elected officials and leaders of state agencies."