On January 8, 2001, Abramoff left Preston Gates & Ellis to join the Government Relations division of the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, which once described him as "directly involved in the Republican party and conservative movement leadership structures" and "one of the leading fund raisers for the party and its congressional candidates."
With the move to Greenberg Traurig Abramoff took as much as $6 million worth of client "work" from his old firm, including the Marianas Islands account.
[1] At Greenberg Traurig, Abramoff assembled a "dream team" made up of lobbyists with past jobs working for congressional leaders.
In addition, Kevin Ring, Jon van Horne, Michael Smith and Stephanie Leger received secret side payments from Abramoff counter to Greenberg Traurig policy and were asked to resign.
James Hirni (R) lobbyist found guilty of conspiracy for bribing Fraser Verrusio and Trevor Blackann.