Just days after leaving office, former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has signed on for two new positions that could allow him to keep a hand at the political table and a presence in the public forum.

On Monday law firm Ballard Spahr, where Rendell was a partner before being elected governor, said he would return as a partner in the firm’s Philadelphia office. His practice will focus on public-private partnerships and issues relating to energy, infrastructure, the environment, health care and higher education, the firm said.

And NBC News on Tuesday said it had hired Rendell as a political analyst. Rendell will contribute to both NBC News and MSNBC, according to NBC News President Steve Capus. “His extensive experience serving the people of Pennsylvania gives him a unique perspective,” Capus said.

Rendell went to work immediately, appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program Tuesday morning to preview President Obama’s State of the Union address.

“NBC, I think, gives me the platforms to continue to influence the public dialogue a little bit,” Rendell said.

Rendell’s second term as Pennsylvania governor ended Jan. 18 with the inauguration of Republican Tom Corbett (see Shale Daily, Jan. 20).

In addition to his time at Ballard Spahr, Rendell served as mayor of Philadelphia, city district attorney and chair of the Democratic National Committee prior to his time as governor.