Often when a federal prosecutor moves to a private law firm, he or she launches a white-collar defense practice, the better to take advantage of all that inside knowledge of government investigations. But that's not the case with Connecticut Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Mattei, who has been hired by one of the most successful plaintiff law firms in the state.

Mattei, who has successfully prosecuted corrupt public officials, including former Gov. John Rowland, will join Bridgeport-based Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder in October. The firm handles high-stakes medical malpractice and personal injury cases, and its website says it has won six of the 10 biggest personal injury cases in state history. The firm has forged a national reputation, with several of its lawyers taking part in the wrongful death lawsuit brought by the estate of pop singer Michael Jackson in 2013.

“It's rare these days to find a lawyer as young as Chris who has proven trial experience. Chris has already demonstrated the capacity to effectively handle complex jury trials earning him the respect of the bench and bar alike,” said name partner Michael Koskoff. “Equally important is the fact that Chris possesses the compassion and creativity necessary to be a great trial lawyer. He is a welcome addition to our trial team.”