Antitrust: District of Columbia

THE FIRM Arnold & Porter's antitrust group receives universal praise for the depth and breadth of its coverage. A number of its attorneys have held significant posts at the agencies, including a former chairman of the FTC, a former director of the FTC's bureau of competition, and a Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the antitrust division. It is well versed in a broad spread of business sectors, including financial services, energy, media, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. Major recent engagements include representing AT&T in its much reported proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA, representing Intel in its $7.68 billion purchase of McAfee, and representing LG Electronics in class actions alleging price-fixing in the cathode ray tube market.

Sources say: "Clearly at the top in the DC market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Baer is revered as "a titan" of the antitrust field, with sources describing him as "incredibly smart and approachable - he understands the law exactly, and knows immediately how to respond." He advises a broad range of clients, and is widely respected for his expertise in cartel investigations. In addition to his acknowledged legal excellence, his peers are also keen to pay tribute to him as "one of the most charming members of the antitrust Bar." 

Deborah Feinstein is lauded as "a truly excellent merger lawyer." She recently led the group's representation of BASF in its $3.8 billion acquisition of Cognis, and also represented GE in its acquisition of Dresser.  

Jonathan Gleklen's antitrust practice covers civil litigation, government investigations, counseling, and transactional issues. He represented GE in its $3.2 billion acquisition of Converteam.

The "very strong" Richard Rosen spearheaded the group's representation of AT&T in the antitrust review of its acquisition of T-Mobile USA.

Douglas Wald is noted for his representation of Philip Morris USA in a range of significant litigation matters. He is praised as "an excellent antitrust adviser - he is very responsive, knows the business, and constantly displays sound judgment."  

Donna Patterson is highly regarded for her representation of clients in FTC and DOJ investigations of proposed M&A transactions. She was previously Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the antitrust division of the DOJ, and clients are quick to highlight the value of those credentials.

Kenneth Letzler recently acted alongside Baer and Gleklen in representing Monsanto in an investigation of its licensing and distribution practices by a Multistate Attorney General Group.

Robert Pitofsky is a former chairman of the FTC. He is a counsel with the group, and clients continue to benefit from his vast expertise.

THE FIRM This group offers a combination of experience, skill, and broad-based antitrust expertise which continues to prove attractive to a host of marquee clients. Of major note is the team's role as counsel to internet and software behemoth Google in a number of notable matters, including advising on its $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility, and obtaining FTC clearance for Google to acquire mobile advertising network AdMob. The group was also central to the AT&T and T-Mobile deal, through its role as antitrust counsel to Deutsche Telekom, which it counseled on the proposed $39 billion sale of T-Mobile USA.

Sources say: "It's a group that really knows what it's doing. They are results-oriented, they know how to get to where they want very quickly. They are creative, very analytical, and force the discussion to be a very sophisticated one."

KEY INDIVIDUALS George Cary undertakes a broad range of M&A, litigation and government investigation work. Clients value working with a "great litigator who is equally adept at the regulatory as the litigation." Peers concur that this is a man who "has that rare ability to cut across forums – he's equally as good in the courtroom as in the conference room." He served as antitrust counsel to Deutsche Telekom in the T-Mobile USA/AT&T matter.

Mark Leddy is the firm's managing partner, and is now skillfully juggling his management responsibilities with a full-time antitrust practice. Clients are especially impressed, saying that in addition to the complete command of antitrust law one expects of a top-flight attorney, he also delivers top-tier client service: "He's incredibly hard-working, responsive, thorough, always timely - we've been really impressed with his attention to service."

David Gelfand receives near universal praise from clients and peers alike. Clients are impressed with an attorney who "knows our business inside out, is creative in looking for solutions to our problems, and is a refreshing antidote to the typical overly conservative counsel we've received elsewhere." Peers on the other hand are quick to acknowledge Gelfand as "a formidable antitrust lawyer. It's a challenge going against him – you have to drink your coffee in the morning!" 

Mark Nelson receives considerable accolades from clients who are impressed with "his incredible grasp of the law and our business - he provides immediate answers to our most technical questions." This combination of expertise and efficiency proves vastly attractive, and results in high-profile instructions such as the representation of Nortel Networks in the sale of patent assets through a bankruptcy auction to a consortium.

Leah Brannon focuses on antitrust counseling, litigation, and merger review work. She is noted for her work on behalf of Google, currently advising the client on its $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility.

Jeremy Calsyn is developing a considerable profile for his work on global transactional antitrust work. He recently acted alongside Leddy in representing Grupo Bimbo and its US subsidiary, BBU, in the $959 million acquisition of Sara Lee's North American Fresh Bakery.

THE FIRM Jones Day's Washington, DC-based antitrust group comprises over 40 attorneys whose expertise covers the full range of issues, from counseling on antitrust compliance to assisting clients with government investigations, and handling merger reviews. The breadth of the group is admired by commentators, who are also quick to commend its particular strength in M&A matters. In this space, it served as antitrust counsel to Texas Instruments in its proposed $6.5 billion acquisition of National Semiconductor, and also advised global technology firm ABB on its $4.2 billion acquisition of competitor Baldor Electric Company.

Sources say: "Clearly top-rank."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joe Sims is "quite clearly one of the best" antitrust practitioners in the market. As one source summarized: "He's incredibly practical, his advice is always clear, and he has that judgment that you only get from having done this for 30-plus years." He has particular expertise in advising on the antitrust elements of M&A transactions, and has been involved in some of the market's most prominent transactions. He recently advised ABB on its acquisition of Baldor Electric Company.

Phillip Proger is the chair of the firm's global antitrust practice group. He is especially highly regarded for his work in the pharmaceutical sector, and recently represented Bayer in antitrust litigation stemming from a patent settlement concerning the client's Cipro antibiotic. Peers state that "for work in healthcare and the pharmaceutical area, he's a top choice." 

Kathryn Fenton maintains a broad antitrust practice. She recently worked alongside Sims in advising Comcast on its joint venture with GE to create NBCUniversal.

David Wales is widely tipped as the future star of the group. He has considerable experience of working at both the FTC and DOJ, and is regularly involved in prominent acquisitions. Of note was his recent involvement, together with Sims, in ABB's acquisition of Baldor Electric.

THE FIRM Covington & Burling's antitrust group is elevated in the rankings having earned considerable praise for the outstanding breadth and depth of its antitrust offering. Its attorneys are proven experts across government investigations, merger reviews, international cartels, and civil litigation. The team also benefits from considerable experience within government, housing two former heads of the DOJ antitrust division. Recent work includes assisting Expedia on matters associated with the Google/ITA transaction. Another major highlight was its role as lead counsel to the NFL in the much-publicized antitrust litigation and collective bargaining negotiations which sprung out of the client's labor dispute with the NFLPA.

Sources say: "They provide thorough, practical advice. They are solution-oriented, find workable solutions to achieve what we want to achieve and mitigate the risk."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Barnett cochairs the firmwide antitrust and consumer law practice group. He receives particular praise from clients, who rate him as "one of the most skilled antitrust advisers out there," explaining that "with Tom you get the experience, but also the practicality - we don't want endless briefings, we need someone who can help us with the issue, and help us move on as a company - that's exactly what Tom provides."

Deborah Garza cochairs the group together with Barnett. She brings a wealth of experience to bear for her clients, particularly as a result of her previous positions at the regulatory agencies. Clients are in awe of her commitment to service, noting that "she's in incredibly high demand, and in demand for incredibly important work - I have no idea how she manages to be as responsive as she is." 

Alan Wiseman is "a highly skilled antitrust litigator who commands the respect of both the plaintiffs and the defense Bar." A former cochair of the antitrust group at Howrey, he brings considerable experience, and continues to be instructed on prominent issues such as advising Union Pacific Railroad in the MDL antitrust class actions concerning fuel surcharges.

THE FIRM This 50-member Washington, DC-based antitrust team forms a vital part of the firm's nationwide antitrust group. Clients continue to turn to this team for assistance with the full range of antitrust concerns, including both criminal and civil antitrust litigation, government investigations, merger clearance and antitrust counseling. The team recently advised Sara Lee in connection with its $959 million sale of North America Fresh Bakery Division to Grupo Bimbo. The team was also central to assisting Avis Budget Group with the antitrust elements of its attempted acquisition of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group.

Sources say: "A highly responsive group, which brings important skills and experience with the agencies. They have the knowledge and intellect to understand precisely how the law operates, and they also have the professional relationships with the agencies to help us through some very challenging issues." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Timothy Muris recently joined the firm from O'Melveny & Myers and is praised by peers as "a really astute addition to the group." He is an experienced antitrust attorney who works with a broad range of clients from the hi-tech, energy, and aviation industries.

Mark Kovner is a senior member of the team, and he brings the benefit of over 22 years of antitrust expertise to the table. He continues to represent clients in government investigations, as well as handling complex antitrust litigation.

Tefft Smith is a prominent antitrust litigator, and his peers are swift to acknowledge his skills as a trial attorney.

Christine Wilson is viewed as one of the group's rising stars. She is principally focused on assisting clients with merger clearance work.

THE FIRM This group provides counsel to clients across the complete range of antitrust work, and commentators highlight its impressive involvement in both government investigations and significant antitrust litigation. It also provides a number of prominent clients with antitrust counseling, and clients benefit from the in-depth agency experience of a team that includes two former senior figures from the DOJ. Recent highlights include representing Sprint in its antitrust action in opposition to AT&T's high-profile aborted acquisition of T-Mobile USA. It also represented Southwest Airlines in relation to a government investigation into its acquisition of AirTran Holdings.

Sources say: "A fantastic group - its members are not only very smart and skilled, but they are also highly practical, which we really appreciate."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Nannes has "a phenomenal antitrust resume," having previously served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Acting Assistant Attorney General in the DOJ's antitrust division before rejoining Skadden Arps in 2001. Sources note he is "really fantastic on the regulatory aspects of mergers and joint ventures," and clients are keen to salute his ability to work effectively with everyone involved in deals: "He can talk to attorneys on complex issues, and then switch gears and explain the same details clearly to businessmen."

Steven Sunshine leads the North American antitrust group for Skadden. He has had a commanding year, and one which his peers believe "will surely have opened the eyes of clients around the country." One key highlight was his work for Sprint in a private antitrust action opposing AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile USA. He receives considerable plaudits from a range of sources who note that "he brings a fantastic perspective - he's able to step above the details and see the big picture; he understands the economic issues completely." 

Benjamin Crisman maintains a broad practice which encompasses antitrust, trade regulation and white-collar crime issues. He recently acted alongside Sunshine in handling the regulatory side of Diversey Holdings' $4.3 billion sale to Sealed Air Corporation.

THE FIRM This group has forged a strong reputation for its capacity to handle significant, multijurisdictional transactions, as recently evidenced by its representation of Panasonic in its acquisition of Sanyo. The team is also currently working with Johnson & Johnson on the antitrust elements of its $21.3 billion proposed acquisition of global medical devices firm Synthes. Commentators note the team's adept handling of both transactional work and litigation, underscored by its role as lead counsel to Providence Equity Partners in defending a nationwide class action suit brought against the client and other private equity groups relating to multibillion-dollar leveraged buyouts dating back to 2003.

Sources say: "The reasons we've had such a long relationship with them are simple - they've seen us through a lot of very important fights, and continuously got us good results."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Newborn is the leader of Weil's global antitrust practice group. He is a former director of litigation at the FTC's antitrust bureau, and clients are quick to highlight the benefits of working with an attorney of his considerable experience and pedigree. One source described him as an "antitrust strategist with an outstanding intellect who gets results and inspires confidence." Newborn works with a panoply of top-tier clients, including ExxonMobil, Staples, Walgreens and Johnson & Johnson.

Ann Malester recently worked alongside Newborn in counseling Johnson & Johnson on its proposed acquisition of Synthes. Clients are hugely impressed with her antitrust counsel: "She is outstanding - what she brings is that quality of being able to see around the corner on the transaction, and she has the right personality to deal with a stressful situation."  

James Egan's practice predominantly focuses on antitrust counseling and litigation, especially class actions. He was lead counsel to Hoffmann-La Roche in the 'Brand Name Prescription Drug' actions, a series of federal and state cases which also involved 25 other pharmaceutical manufacturers.

John Scribner is another of the group's attorneys who combines extensive private practice experience with experience at the FTC. Scribner is representing GE in an antitrust lawsuit brought by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Steven Bernstein worked with Malester in representing Johnson & Johnson in its proposed acquisition of Synthes. He is another veteran of the FTC, and sources note the "crucial commission insight" he brings.

THE FIRM Crowell & Moring has had a strong year on both the litigation and the transactional side of the practice, although its transactional work has stolen the headlines. The group has been serving as lead antitrust counsel to DuPont in relation to its $6.3 billion acquisition of Danisco, achieved a successful FTC clearance, and also represented UTC in relation to its acquisition of Goodrich. The key highlight, however, came through the group's role as co-lead regulatory counsel to AT&T in relation to its hugely high-profile $39 billion proposed acquisition of T-Mobile. Sources are also quick to applaud the team's expertise in the agricultural industry.

Sources say: "They are very astute and knowledgeable in the antitrust arena. As a client they make us comfortable and confident."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Randolph Smith cochairs the antitrust group. His practice covers the full range of antitrust issues, including M&A transactions, joint ventures, cartel, and HSR. He led the team's involvement on behalf of AT&T in the T-Mobile acquisition.  

Sources have "tremendous respect" for firm chairman, Kent Gardiner, highlighting his strength in criminal matters. He continues to represent DuPont in its ongoing lawsuit against Korean manufacturer Kolon Industries.

Robert Lipstein cochairs the antitrust team alongside Smith. He counsels Rambus and Cryptograph Research, its subsidiary, on antitrust issues associated with the development and protection of IP rights.

Christopher Ondeck is the group's rising star. He is increasingly involved in high-profile antitrust cases, and was part of the team representing AT&T in the T-Mobile matter. Clients say: "He has become our primary thought partner - he's very good at explaining the complex issues and making them easy to understand." 

THE FIRM Numerous high-profile clients rely on the Dechert group for the full range of antitrust counsel, including private litigation, cartel cases, investigations and merger clearance matters. The latter is the core strength of the team, with recent highlights including successfully representing Dean Foods in obtaining clearance of Foremost Farm USA's consumer products division, in what was the very first DOJ litigated merger challenge brought under the Obama administration. The team is also defending global distributions company Travelport against an alleged monopolization claim brought by American Airlines.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Denis's practice encompasses antitrust assistance on transactions, government investigations, and antitrust litigation. He brings a treasure trove of experience to the table, having previously served in the antitrust division and been the principal draftsman on the 1992 DOJ and FTC horizontal merger guidelines. Clients praise his ability to translate his vast antitrust knowledge into "really practical advice, that continues to steer us through very difficult situations." 

Paul Friedman is the managing partner of the firm's Washington, DC office. His peers note his prominence as an antitrust litigator. He worked alongside Denis in representing Dean Foods in separate class action litigations in Tennessee and Vermont. 

THE FIRM This group provides a complete antitrust service, and assists clients across the board on matters which include merger review, government investigations, cartel investigations, litigation, and general antitrust counseling. Recent highlights include representing Intel in relation to a monopolization action brought by the New York Attorney General. The team also advised Applied Materials on its acquisition of Varian Semiconductor Associate for $4.9 billion.

Sources say: "A very deep practice with a lot of talented individuals."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Kattan is lauded by clients as "a thoughtful and indefatigable lawyer, a super-smart outstanding legal analyst." He receives rave reviews from a variety of sources, with in-house lawyers particularly fulsome in their praise for an antitrust attorney who "brings absolutely encyclopedic knowledge to the file - he has fingertip access to the legal minutiae and has a profound understanding of their implications." 

Jarrett Arp is described by peers as "a tremendous lawyer who embodies professionalism in everything that he does." He works with a range of notable clients, including McDonald's, Hudson News, and Microsoft, across a range of both antitrust litigation and counseling.

Joshua Lipton manages a wide-ranging antitrust practice, although sources are especially keen to mention his expertise in defending class action antitrust cases.

THE FIRM Hogan Lovells' antitrust team is widely regarded for its extensive market knowledge of the technology, life sciences, defense, media and entertainment, financial services and energy sectors. It continues to counsel prominent clients from these and other industries across the full range of antitrust work. Major recent work includes successfully representing Laboratory Corporation of America in overcoming FTC litigation which threatened its acquisition of Westcliff Medical Laboratories. The group also represented ITA Software in relation to a DOJ investigation into ITA's sale to Google.

Sources say: "They are practical in their advice, client-focused and business-oriented." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Janet McDavid is highly rated for her expertise in assisting clients with government investigations and antitrust litigation. Clients value working with her as she "brings the experience and the breadth of knowledge you expect from a senior attorney, but is also accessible, and responds right away." McDavid was the lead partner in the team counseling Martek BioSciences on its $1.1 billion acquisition by Royal DSM. 

Joseph Krauss focuses his practice on government investigations, counseling, litigation, and M&A transactions. Recently he worked with Laboratory Corporation of America on its purchase of Genzyme's genetics testing business.

THE FIRM This group represents a number of household name clients in assisting with countering antitrust litigation, government investigations, and also in achieving merger clearance. On the litigation side the team was successful in gaining the dismissal of all claims filed against client Goldman Sachs which concerned an alleged conspiracy to suppress payments to shareholders in the leveraged buyout of Del Monte. On the transactional side, the group was global antitrust counsel to Coca-Cola Enterprises in the complicated transaction which saw the $12 billion acquisition of the client's bottling operations in North America by the Coca-Cola Company.

Sources say: "They are hugely knowledgeable and thorough, yet at the same time very practical in their approach." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Margaret Zwisler cochairs the firm's global antitrust group. She has over 30 years of litigation experience, and sources commend her as "an outstanding litigator - from both a strategic and an execution point of view." She twice won a motion to dismiss an antitrust class action complaint on behalf of Time Warner Cable.

Abbott Lipsky is highly regarded for his antitrust counsel to Coca-Cola, recently representing Coca-Cola Enterprises in the above mentioned acquisition by the Coca-Cola Company. He also acts for Global Crossing and Backman Coulter.

William Sherman is a well-respected antitrust litigator, noted for his expertise in handling antitrust class actions. He achieved recent success on behalf of Goldman Sachs with the dismissal of all claims in a class action filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

THE FIRM This group maintains a strong reputation for a broad range of antitrust work, despite recent departures. Its undoubted highlight came with its role as trial co-counsel to T-Mobile in the DOJ attempts to block the high-profile proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile USA. The team is also representing Asiana Airlines in two MDL proceedings which relate to alleged price-fixing of both passenger tickets and air cargo rates.

Sources say: "Their antitrust work has been outstanding; an ability to think outside the box and their persistence have produced incredible results for us." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Parker is acknowledged by all corners of the market as "a tremendous antitrust lawyer" who can both litigate and handle deals. He frequently represents his clients before the DOJ and the FTC on mergers, criminal issues, and conduct investigations. It is the litigation side of his practice which has drawn the most acclaim, however, with sources seeing the selection of a Richard Parker-led O'Melveny group as trial co-counsel to T-Mobile as a real testament to his status as a go-to antitrust litigator.

The "very talented" Michael Antalics is especially noted for his expertise in merger clearance work. He has also had considerable success in representing clients in class actions, and regularly counsels clients in both civil and criminal antitrust investigations.

THE FIRM WilmerHale's 11-partner antitrust team regularly advises clients in the financial, technology, transportation, and science sectors. Recent highlights include representing JPMorgan Chase in achieving a resolution to a lengthy multi-agency investigation concerning alleged bid rigging in sales of derivatives. Other major clients of the group include Nissin, Healthcare waste Systems and Intel.

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Kolasky elicits praise from clients who note his ability to "provide sound, pragmatic antitrust counseling in a short space of time." He is "highly rated for US antitrust matters with international applications – he's a truly excellent appellate advocate." 

Thomas Mueller co-heads the antitrust practice group. He represented JPMorgan Chase in resolving a long running multi-agency civil and criminal investigation into alleged bid rigging in sales of derivatives to municipalities and nonprofit entities.  

Leon Greenfield has considerable expertise in assisting clients in complex antitrust issues. He is the regular outside counsel to BAE Systems, advising on its mergers and acquisitions, and other antitrust concerns.

THE FIRM This group is very highly regarded, and perhaps best known, for its expertise in assisting clients from the hi-tech sector. Notable clients continue to turn to the team for assistance with a range of antitrust issues, including merger clearance and antitrust counseling. The team continues to be active on behalf of Google, recently assisting it on antitrust issues relating to its acquisition of Zagat; it also represented the internet and software giant in an investigation of search and advertising by the FTC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susan Creighton cochairs the practice group, and remains one of the team's main drawing cards. Sources describe her as "a really deep thinker in the antitrust field, especially for issues related  to technology." Together with Scott Sher, she has been especially active on behalf of key client Google, recently representing it in respect to an investigation of search and advertising by the FTC. Sher is highly regarded for his expertise in merger compliance, and recently represented Google in the antitrust issues concerning its acquisition of Zagat.

THE FIRM Baker Botts benefited from hiring a 32-member team of antitrust attorneys from the defunct Howrey firm in 2011. The group has been successful in solidifying the firm's name as a key player in antitrust, advising clients on the gamut of antitrust issues. It recently represented Caterpillar in connection with the antitrust reviews relating to a proposed $8.8 billion acquisition of a competitor.

Sources say: "From a client perspective, they are perceptive, attentive, and strong advocates."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sean Boland cochairs the firm's competition and antitrust practice group. His practice is principally geared towards assisting corporations with antitrust clearance in mergers and acquisitions. He represented Caterpillar in the international antitrust reviews of the largest acquisition in the client's history.

Christopher MacAvoy is highly experienced in assisting his clients with antitrust issues relating to M&A transactions and joint ventures. Clients are quick to praise him as "a fantastic communicator who has delivered everything we were looking for; high responsiveness, and business-specific explanations of specialist areas of antitrust law." 

John Taladay cochairs the team together with Boland. He is assisting Philips Electronics in all aspects of the DOJ investigation relating to alleged price-fixing in the cathode ray tube industry.

James Rill is quite clearly "one of the true deans of the antitrust Bar worldwide." His vast wealth of expertise is drawn from his time serving as Assistant Attorney General in charge of the DOJ's antitrust division, as well as from chairing the ABA's antitrust chapter.

THE FIRM Dewey & LeBoeuf's Washington, DC-based antitrust team had a solid 2011, advising on significant cases for major international companies, particularly matters concerning allegations of monopolization. Shortly before going to press Dewey & LeBoeuf filed for bankruptcy.

THE FIRM This compact yet nimble Washington, DC-based team benefits from its position within Freshfields' global network, with clients regularly engaging the group's attorneys on matters which are international and multijurisdictional in scope.

Sources say: "They not only bring a very high level of skill and expertise in the antitrust practice, but their responsiveness and easy style make working with them a pleasure."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very bright" Paul Yde principally focuses his practice on representing clients before the DOJ and the FTC in relation to the antitrust aspects of M&A transactions and joint ventures.

Bob Schlossberg has over 25 years worth of antitrust expertise, and focuses his practice on assisting with the antitrust issues relating to M&A transactions. Sources applaud him as an "excellent lawyer." 

Terry Calvani brings a wealth of expertise to bear; he previously served as commissioner of the FTC, and was later a member of the Irish Competition Authority.

THE FIRM Mayer Brown's antitrust team is lauded for its litigation capability, and its attorneys draw particular praise for their handling of cartel investigations. Recent highlights include serving as counsel to The Mosaic Company in relation to class actions brought by purchasers, concerning alleged price-fixing in the agricultural fertilizer market. The group is also representing Nestlé USA in defending a number of lawsuits which relate to an alleged conspiracy with competitors Mars, Hershey and Cadbury to fix the price of candy products in the US market.

Sources say: "They are responsive, smart, savvy, diligent and practical." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Favretto remains an active member of the team, and is currently assisting The Mosaic Company in putative class actions alleging price-fixing in relation to an agricultural fertilizer.

Robert Bloch maintains a broad antitrust practice, and is particularly highly regarded for his considerable experience of assisting clients with government investigations. He is representing Pacific Seafood Group in a class action alleging price-fixing and attempted monopolization.

THE FIRM This team is able to provide clients with a broad range of antitrust services, and its members are especially recommended by commentators for their expertise in merger clearance work and cartel defense. Recent highlights include advising Fila Korea and Mirae Asset Private Equity on the international antitrust elements of the $1.225 billion purchase of the Acushnet golf business from Fortune Brands. The group was also successful in achieving antitrust clearance for Davita in connection with its $689 million acquisition of competitor DSI Renal.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Brennan joined the firm from Dechert in July 2011. He brings considerable expertise in mergers, government investigations and litigation, and is especially well versed in antitrust issues in the healthcare sector.

Raymond Jacobsen successfully secured the dismissal of a call action lawsuit in the New Jersey District Court on behalf of Amgen. He is the head of the firm's regulatory and governmental affairs business unit.

Joseph Winterscheid chairs the firm's antitrust and competition team. He is a "highly skilled, business-savvy senior partner who combines a deep reservoir of antitrust expertise with strong business acumen." 

THE FIRM This team works with a broad range of clients on antitrust issues, although sources note its particular strength in advising venture capital groups. The team was recently called into action by Dayton Power & Light to provide advice on the merger clearance aspects of its $4.7 billion acquisition by AES. The group is also noted for its work with Microsoft, a client it recently represented in complex litigation and provided assistance to in agency investigations.

Sources say: "We benefit from its international footprint, its gravitas and its depth of expertise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Rule has a tremendous reputation in the antitrust field, with sources revealing that "for a major bet-the-company case, he'd be one that you would have to consider." His good rapport with the agencies proves beneficial to clients, but it is his "highly analytic and creative approach to developing new arguments" which really impresses clients.

Jonathan Kanter has become well recognized for his particular expertise in antitrust issues with an internet element to them. Sources say: "Jonathan is a bundle of energy and highly enthusiastic about his work on behalf of his clients." 

THE FIRM Hunton & Williams assists a broad range of clients across the gamut of antitrust issues. It is especially highly regarded for its expertise in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Recent highlights include advising Universal Music Group on the antitrust elements of its $1.9 billion acquisition of EMI's recorded music unit. It also represented Vulcan Materials Company and Florida Rock Industries in a series of class actions concerning alleged price-fixing of both cement and concrete in the Floridian market.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Bruce Hoffman represented Universal Music Group in its $1.9 billion acquisition of EMI's recorded music unit. He also defended Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in a lawsuit brought by Michigan Attorney General and the Justice Department.

THE FIRM Sources note this team's strength in cartel cases, and it also remains a strong presence in antitrust litigation. Recent highlights include acting as lead counsel to Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Aventis Holding Partnership in civil antitrust cases concerning the proposed settlement of a patent litigation with a generic pharmaceutical company. The group was also involved in representing the NFL in the antitrust class action filed by NFL players in the wake of the league and players' collective bargaining dispute.

Sources say: "I consider King & Spalding to rate very favorably - particularly in the areas of business guidance and ability to leverage antitrust considerations for purposes of negotiation either in litigation or contract negotiations."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Grace Rodriguez is noted for her expertise in healthcare-related antitrust litigation.

THE FIRM This group is highly regarded for its expertise in the media and financial services industries. The team's extensive antitrust expertise encompasses merger clearance, government investigations, and private litigation. Recent highlights include assisting Ericsson with antitrust clearance issues associated with its acquisition of Nortel Networks' CDMA, GSM and Passport businesses in a number of bankruptcy court approved auctions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Simons cochairs the firm's antitrust group. He is a former director of the FTC's bureau of competition, and brings a huge amount of expertise to the table. He has assisted clients from a broad range of industries with antitrust issues, including telecommunications, aviation, financial services, and agriculture.

Kenneth Gallo is the managing partner of the Washington, DC office. He is widely lauded for his antitrust trial expertise.

THE FIRM Ropes & Gray joins this year's rankings, having earned widespread praise for its increasing profile in the market. The team assists clients with a range of antitrust work, including transactional, counseling, and litigation. Recent highlights include representing Hitachi-LG Data Storage in defending antitrust class actions charging price-fixing, and representing Genzyme before the FTC in relation to the $20.1 billion sale of Genzyme to Sanofi.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Popofsky is "an incredibly bright lawyer - he has that raw know-how and intellect, but is able to translate that, and marry it to his strength with the agencies," sources say. He is the co-leader of the firm's antitrust group, and is representing Hitachi-LG Data Storage in the antitrust action mentioned above.

Michael McFalls practices across a broad range of antitrust-related work, covering transactional matters, counseling, and litigation. He recently represented Genzyme before the FTC in connection with the sale of Genzyme to Sanofi.

THE FIRM This group undertakes work on a broad range of antitrust issues, including assisting with mergers, representing clients in antitrust litigation, and handling government investigations. The team is an integral part of the firm's nationwide 25-member antitrust team. Highlights from the past year include representing AirTran Airways in a multidistrict antitrust class action lawsuit pending in Atlanta federal court. 

Sources say: "They've done a good job for us - they provide both experience and efficiency."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Neil Imus heads the Washington, DC antitrust group. Sources say he is a "knowledgeable, personable and skilled attorney with great client skills." He focuses his practice on antitrust issues relating to M&A transactions.

Dionne Lomax is principally recognized for her expertise in assisting clients within the healthcare and energy sectors with a range of antitrust issues.

Craig Seebald has three key qualities which clients are quick to identify: "deep agency experience, an ability to communicate effectively with key business people, and superior advocacy skills." He has been central to the team's work assisting IDEXX Laboratories with an FTC investigation.

Sources praise William Vigdor as an "efficient, knowledgeable attorney, who does an excellent job in coordinating global work." 

THE FIRM This team is perhaps best known for its strength in complex litigious matters, but has also provided solid antitrust counsel in relation to a number of prominent transactions. Recent highlights include representing Toshiba in two significant multidistrict litigation class actions concerning alleged price-fixing in the cathode ray tube industry.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Gidley is the chair of the firm's global competition practice. Together with Christopher Curran, Gidley recently represented UK national Ian Norris, the former CEO of Morgan Crucible, on matters associated with his extradition by the US antitrust division. Ian Norris was the first foreign national ever extradited by the US antitrust division. Curran maintains a broad, although substantially trial-focused antitrust practice. He is leading the group in its representation of Toshiba in the two major multidistrict litigation class actions mentioned above.