© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Former Gov. Blanchard's Law Firm To Rep MSU In DC

James Blanchard, Janet Blanchard, John Lewis
Reginald Hardwick
/
WKAR-MSU
Former Gov. Jim Blanchard (left), wife Janet (center) and Rep. John Lewis (D) Georgia on the right during a 2017 appearance on the Michigan State University campus.

Michigan State University has hired former Governor Jim Blanchard’s law firm to represent the university in Washington D.C.

Blanchard is a partner with DLA Piper. In a statement released by interim MSU President John Engler, the firm will lead MSU’s response to congressional inquiries related to Larry Nassar’s crimes while on the university’s faculty. The one-year agreement runs through next January.

When MSU Trustees named former Governor Engler as interim President, they also appointed Blanchard to serve as a special advisor.

Scott Pohl has maintained an on-call schedule reporting for WKAR following his retirement after 36 years on the air at the station.
Related Content
Local journalism matters—and it’s at risk.


WKAR brings you trusted news, without barriers—no paywalls, no corporate spin. But now, federal funding that helps make it all possible is on the chopping block. Your support is more important than ever. Stand up for independent journalism in mid-Michigan—make your gift today.