Stevens & Lee has created a new government consulting practice with the help of a state representative who is pulling out of November’s election in order to join the firm the following month.

State Representative John C. Bear, R-Lancaster, said last week that he decided to remove his name from November’s ballot in his uncontested race and take the opportunity to lead the law firm’s new state and local government consulting practice. He will serve as managing director in the firm’s Harrisburg and Lancaster offices.