Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards emerged from a very public sex scandal with his reputation tarnished, but his law license intact.

The former vice presidential nominee and two-time presidential candidate last year successfully fended off federal allegations of campaign finance law violations in connection with a marital affair with Rielle Hunter — a relationship that produced a child and pushed him out of politics. Last week he announced a new law practice, Edwards Kirby, with his daughter Cate and former law partner David Kirby.