It may not have been his number one job choice, but former Quebec Premier Jean Charest has decided to return to practising law.

Sources tell The Canadian Press that Charest will likely accept a post at one of Montreal's largest law firms.

While his choice of law firm may not be final, sources close to Charest say there's no doubt about his decision to return to the field.

Charest, who served as Quebec premier for nine years, has received offers from five major law firms in Montreal and one in Toronto since losing the provincial election on Sept. 4.

Charest briefly practised law in Sherbrooke, Que., before embarking on a career in politics in 1984 at age 26 that spanned nearly three decades at the provincial and federal level.

He stepped down as leader of the Quebec Liberals after losing to the Parti Québécois.

His former aides, who requested anonymity, say Charest wants to work at a Montreal firm that will enable him to practise law while using his extensive network of contacts in Quebec and around the world.

Before making his decision, sources say Charest decided to take time off after a gruelling election campaign. He returned last Saturday from a trip to Europe and Asia.