COLUMBUS, Ohio - One of Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann's top aides will head back to private practice after the New Year.

Brian Laliberte resigned from public service Thursday, leaving Dann without a deputy first assistant and chief deputy for criminal justice. The resignation is effective Jan. 9, 2008.

"I knew this day would come and I am not surprised to see a talented attorney return to private practice," Dann said. "I will miss his dedication and legal expertise, but mostly I will miss my daily contact with a friend of 15 years."

For Dann, Laliberte defended the state's capital punishment system and secured federal grants to help target violent crimes.

Laliberte was quoted in a Law.com article in May, speaking in favor of transparency with regard to outside counsel hired by attorneys general. He said public bidding takes away "the appearance of cronyism."

He also received a taxpayer-funded security system for his home after receiving a death threat. The cost of the system was $3,700.

Laliberte had worked at Baker & Hostetler in Columbus before joining Dann's staff, focusing his practice on complex business litigation. No replacement has been announced.