From the Sun-Times:

Private sector beckons
Many leave U.S. attorney's office, often for better pay

March 5, 2007
BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter
Top prosecutor Patrick Collins' decision to leave government hit hard at a U.S. attorney's office known for fighting public corruption.

But the assistant U.S. attorney who helped convict former Gov. George Ryan isn't the office's only loss.

At least half a dozen prosecutors have left in recent months to flex their muscle at law firms in Chicago.

That includes top Enron prosecutor Sean Berkowitz, who upon finishing the landmark prosecution was snatched up by Latham & Watkins. Patrick McGovern, among the prosecutors who handled the Hired Truck scandal, left for McDonald's Corp. in Oak Brook. Michael Gurland, who investigated a heroin ring with ties to City Hall, started work with Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg last week.

Over time, departures to the private sector and recent retirements have left the Chicago U.S. attorney's office down about 25 prosecutors.

But U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said a turnaround is expected soon.

"We're a significant number less than where we'd like to be because of budget problems," Fitzgerald said last week. But, he said, "Our numbers always fluctuate, even when we're at full strength."

Full strength in the Chicago office means 164 prosecutors. Now it's in the high 130s, Fitzgerald said.

Last year, prosecutors were gathered and told budget constraints would mean everyone had to work together to keep costs down, according to several prosecutors in the office.

But some funds could be restored under a new, coming budget, Fitzgerald said, adding he had "no intention of leaving."

The number of indictments skyrocketed after Fitzgerald's first full year in office, jumping from 715 in 2001 to 861 the next year. In 2005, the number dropped back down to 699, according to the office.

Various reasons
The reasons for recent departures are varied, but money is usually a factor. Former prosecutors are sought-after in big law firms because of their trial experience in complex cases.

"Don't expect me to be in court representing public official B anytime soon," said Collins, who helped head up corruption probes into City Hall.