SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich's renowned criminal defense attorney said he's pulling out of the governor's upcoming impeachment trial.

But Ed Genson said he'll continue to represent the governor in criminal matters stemming from his arrest on federal corruption charges.

Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on charges that include allegations he schemed to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.

Genson, whose clients have included R&B star R. Kelly and media mogul Conrad Black, represented Blagojevich during impeachment hearings in the Illinois House. He argued that there was no evidence the governor had committed a crime.

House members voted last Friday to impeach Blagojevich, who now faces a trial in the Senate beginning Jan. 26.