SAN JOSE (AP) -- The lead attorney defending Barry Bonds in the slugger's long-delayed perjury trial now has the backing of one of the largest law firms in the world.

The San Jose Mercury News reports that Silicon Valley-based lawyer Allen Ruby has signed on to become a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in 2011.

The 65-year-old attorney has represented some of the region's biggest names, including former San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales and Hewlett-Packard in relation to the departure of former chief executive Mark Hurd.

Bonds has pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied to a federal grand jury in 2003 when he testified that he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.

His trial is currently scheduled for March.

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