Michael Thurmond, who served three terms as Georgia's labor commissioner, has joined the Atlanta law firm of Butler, Wooten and Fryhofer.

In making the announcement on Tuesday, the firm said Thurmond will focus on personal injury cases, product liability, class actions and whistleblower claims.

Thurmond ran for the U.S. Senate last year rather than seek re-election as labor commissioner. He won the Democratic nomination but lost in the general election to incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson.

Before becoming labor commissioner, Thurmond served in the Georgia Legislature, representing a district in Athens, and practiced law there.