Recognized as a premier choice for some of the world’s biggest companies, Arnold & Porter's antitrust group remains active on complex, business-critical merger mandates for industry titans such as Pfizer, BP, and Boston Scientific Corporation. The team is regularly called upon to handle DOJ and FTC clearance proceedings, investigations, and litigation, as well as securing approvals for mergers across multiple jurisdictions. The Washington DC-based team is jointly led by Debbie Feinstein and Jonathan Gleklen. Feinstein, previously serving as the Director of the FTC Bureau of Competition, is distinguished for her specialized expertise in merger and acquisition reviews, civil investigations, and litigation. Meanwhile, Gleklen brings substantial experience in high technology network industries, encompassing government merger review, investigations into alleged anticompetitive conduct, civil litigation, and counseling. Michael Bernstein is another key port of call for leading public and private companies involved in high-profile mergers, investigations, and litigation, currently lending his expertise to BP’s significant acquisitions and divestments. Matthew Tabas has handled complex antitrust issues for major clients such as Intel, Pfizer and Fitbit. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of David Emanuelson who was the former Associate General Counsel for Intel.

Underscoring its status as a destination antitrust practice, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton remains active on complex and market-defining merger mandates for blue-chip corporates and private equity investors, standing out for its work on  contentious merger-related investigations and litigation. The team boasts strong multijurisdictional capabilities, regularly working with its teams in Europe on cross-border merger control mandates, and excels in securing approvals for deals in industries facing regulatory scrutiny. Practice co-head Leah Brannon is a vastly experienced figure with a track record in global merger approvals. Jeremy Calsyn also co-heads the team, and is active on a host of complex matters, notably representing Korean Air in the DOJ investigation in its $1.4bn acquisition of Asiana Airlines. Elsewhere in the team, George Cary continues to lead on business-critical mergers, while Brian Byrne, based in both San Francisco and Washington DC, handles strategic clearances for a diverse roster of clients. David Gelfand has enjoyed recent success in four litigated merger challenges involving the States Attorneys General, the FTC and DOJ, and Bruce Hoffman, former Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, regularly advises on significant merger clearance matters and investigations. Daniel Culley is a go-to for business-critical mergers, government investigations, and litigation for top-level clients in a wide range of industries, particularly within the tech industry. Clients turn to both Kenneth Reinker and Elaine Ewing for their expertise across deals in a wide range of industries, encompassing contentious investigations and global approvals. The team was strengthened by the 2023 arrival of Ryan Shores, formerly at A&O Shearman, a prolific merger counsel who is trial lead on the JetBlue merger. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Counting a bevy of high-profile US and multinational actors in the tech, entertainment, food and pharma industries among its clients, Latham & Watkins LLP‘s antitrust group handles a prolific flow of HSR filings, government investigations, and litigation. Leveraging its extensive global network, the team possesses broad multijurisdictional capabilities, regularly working with its teams in Paris and Brussels on cross-border merger control mandates. In a standout representation for Washington DC-based global antitrust chair Amanda Reeves, the firm represented Endeavor in its $21bn acquisition of World Wrestling Entertainment, which included obtaining merger clearance in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Bay Area-based vice chair Belinda Leeis a key port of call for clients on complex litigation matters before the government regulators in the Americas, Europe and Asia, while Michael G. Egge, based in DC, has a proven track record in representing clients within the technology and life sciences sectors. New York-based Katherine Rocco is noted for her extensive litigation experience, regularly advising some of the world’s leading private equity firms on antitrust litigation and investigations. The Bay Area’s Kelly Fayne represents clients across the technology, private equity, logistics and media sectors.

With a broad US-wide and global platform, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is well-versed in DOJ and FTC investigations, merger filings and merger-related litigation. The team is noted for its capabilities in a wide range of regulated industries, with notable involvements in tech and healthcare with key representations for the likes of Activision Blizzard, Apple and Intel Corporation. Global antitrust head Steven Sunshine, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General, handles contentious regulatory investigations and enforcement actions relating to mergers, as well as approvals by merger authorities in global jurisdictions, while Karen Lent, head of the antitrust group in New York, is noted for her expertise in investigations and merger-related litigation. Tara Reinhart heads the Washington DC office and focuses on civil litigation and government investigations. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP houses a ‘creative and innovative’ team that leverages its integrated transatlantic capabilities to act for some of the world’s leading corporates on a host of big-ticket competition mandates, including notable involvement in advising Microsoft on its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Maintaining its status as a destination practice, the team is able to handle DOJ and FTC processes for mergers and joint ventures, as well as international agency approvals, investigations, and litigation. Co-head Brianne Kucerik  is noted for her work on business-critical transactions across a wide range of industries, encompassing contentious investigations and global approvals. Assisting Kucerik are fellow co-heads Michael Moiseyev and Jeffrey Perry; Moiseyev is a former FTC Merger Division head and boasts deep experience in a range of sectors including tech and healthcare, while Perry, also a former FTC division head, focuses on securing clearance for contested deals. Elsewhere in the team, Jeff White represents clients complex, multi-national M&A transactions before state, federal and international competition authorities, and Megan Granger acts for clients across industries such as tech, pharma and medical devices. Both Carrie Mahan and Vadim Brusser  have departed the firm , while former global antitrust head Steven Newborn has retired.

Praised for its ‘unique pragmatism and client-centric understanding’, the antitrust team at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP focuses on high-stakes, complex, and precedent-setting matters, advising major corporates and financial institutions in the US and internationally across a myriad of sectors and industries. The team is regularly sought after for its expertise on litigation and investigations work brought by the DOJ, FTC, and state attorneys general, as well as international antitrust enforcers. Antitrust chair Christine Varney, a former FTC Commissioner, is a key name for navigating clients through the regulatory clearance process for high-stakes mergers, evidenced by her representation of Illumina on the FTC investigation into its acquisition of GRAIL. Washington DC-based co-chair Noah Joshua Phillips continues to act on major deal clearances, notably representing WestRock Company on its pending $20 billion combination with Smurfit Kappa Group. Maggie Segall focuses on transactional matters and merger-related litigation. Lawyers are based in New York unless otherwise stated. Daniel Zach left the firm in January 2024.

Boasting a diverse client roster of global corporates, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP excels in both domestic and international merger clearances, deftly navigating FTC and DOJ investigations resulting from proposed mergers, and managing high-stakes litigation. The team collaborates with its active M&A team and global network on matters across the pharma, oil and gas, manufacturing, telecoms and financial services industries. A mix of tech companies, media companies and financial institutions turn to practice head Arthur Burke for his capabilities on transactional matters and experience before regulatory authorities. Ronan Harty is a key figure in the team, regularly advising on market-defining transactions including UBS in its acquisition of Credit Suisse, while Washington DC-based Jesse Solomon regularly handles high-stakes international mergers, successfully defending proposed transactions before the DOJ and FTC. All attorneys are in New York unless otherwise stated.

Jones Day continues to handle high-stakes merger clearances for its domestic and international client base, as well as representing in DOJ and FTC investigations arising from proposed mergers and high-stakes litigation. The practice is steered by Craig Waldman, a former attorney in the FTC’s Mergers I division, who has specific expertise in the tech, life sciences and finance sectors. In a key demonstration of the firm’s international expertise, Michael Knight represented Evoqua Water Technologies Corp. in its $7.5bn stock-for-stock merger with Xylem Inc, a deal requiring approvals in multiple jurisdictions. Ryan Thomas is noted for his cross-border expertise, and is particularly active in the life sciences, AI and consumer goods sectors, while Aimee DeFilippo regularly represents clients before the DOJ Antitrust Division, FTC, and international antitrust enforcement authorities. The team has been bolstered by several hires in 2023, including Koren Wong-Ervin from Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider, Peter Schwingler from Stinson LLP, and Kevin Hart from the DOJ. Attorneys are based in Washington DC.

The ‘excellent’ team at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is renowned for its ability in handling high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional mergers, with its strengths on full display in the recent trial win over the DOJ in UnitedHealth’s $13.8bn acquisition of Change Healthcare. The team handles an ample influx of HSR filings and possesses standout capabilities in acting for clients before the DOJ and FTC, hailing from the worlds of aerospace, energy, pharma and retail. Matthew Reilly is a key figure in the team, noted for his focus on antitrust litigation, complex transactions and government investigations where major clients depend on him to navigate the approval process for high-profile transactions. Marin Boney  frequently represents clients before the FTC and DOJ in merger reviews and government investigations, while Richard Cunningham is noted for his litigation capabilities. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of Christopher Leach who joins from Mayer Brown and Rebekah Tobison Scherr who joins from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and New York's Daniel Zach, who arrived from Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in January 2024. All practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Lauded as a ‘go-to choice’ for a host of major corporates, the antitrust team at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, described as ‘stacked with immense talent at all levels’ excels in high-stakes merger clearance and regulatory investigations, leveraging deep agency experience. The practice is routinely engaged by a host of blue-chip clients, entrusted with advising on a steady stream of complex and market-leading transactions. Antitrust co-chair Andrew Finch, former Acting Assistant Attorney General, continues to be active on high-value, business-critical clearances, representing Spirit Airlines in the DOJ’s lawsuit seeking to block its $3.8bn sale to JetBlue. A mix of public companies and private equity funds turn to Aidan Synnott for his ability to handle complex merger clearances, while Joshua Soven is noted for his expertise in regulated industry antitrust issues, with a particular focus on the healthcare and tech sectors. The practice has continued to bolster its contentious antitrust expertise with the arrival of Scott Sher as a co-chair from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Additionally, both Staci Yablon and Robert Sperling, based in New York, joined from Winston & Strawn LLP. Practitioners are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Praised for its ‘efficient and creative counsel’, the team at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP guides clients through complex domestic and cross-border transactions in key industries including chemicals, financial services, pharma, telecoms and entertainment. The practice excels in domestic and international merger filings, DOJ and FTC investigations, including Second Request processes, and merger-related litigation. New York-based global co-chair Peter Guryan, described as ‘extremely intelligent, responsive, respectful and practical‘, continues to be highly successful in merger mandates, notably representing L3Harris Technologies in its $4.7bn acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings. Sara Razi also co-chairs the antitrust team and is a key name for DOJ and FTC merger investigations as well as cross-border mandates, while Preston Miller has expertise in merger approvals and related investigations across a wide variety of industries. Karen Kazmerzak joined from Sidley Austin LLP in 2023, contributing significant experience of antitrust prosecution on the agency side. All lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise stated.

Leveraging its extensive global network, the antitrust team at White & Case LLP earns high praise from clients for its ability to ‘stay on the ball regarding trends.’ Boasting a formidable team of partners and associates, the practice is adeptly positioned to assist on multijurisdictional mandates involving multiple regulatory approvals and investigations by US, European, and UK antitrust authorities. The firm continues to be active on high-profile mandates, notably advising Albertsons in its $24.6 billion merger with Kroger, a standout representation for practice head George Paul, a ‘brilliant antitrust legal strategist.’ Elsewhere in the team, Heather Greenfield is praised by clients as ‘incredibly skilled’ and was promoted to partner in January 2024, while Rebecca Farrington is a go-to for FTC and DOJ merger investigations. Anna Kertesz is noted for her expertise in investigations and merger-related litigation, serving as a pivotal advisor to the likes of Meta and WhatsApp. All attorneys are based in Washington DC.

A&O Shearman continues to be a highly sought-after destination practice for business-critical mergers and M&A approvals, representing major global clients on highly scrutinized and contentious merger proceedings before the DOJ and FTC, as well as international regulatory authorities, leveraging the firm’s transatlantic offering to collaborate seamlessly with its European offices. The practice continues to be active on high-profile mandates, notably representing JetBlue in its $3.8bn takeover bid for Spirit Airlines. The team includes diverse merger and contentious antitrust experts that have deep agency experience, with practice head David Higbee, a former Chief of Staff at the Antitrust Division, noted for his ability to represent clients in varied industries. Elsewhere in the team, New York-based Jessica Delbaum regularly advises multinational clients before the FTC and DOJ, navigating the complexities of multijurisdictional antitrust defense for transactions, while Ben Gris specializes in antitrust investigations and litigation. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated. Following the merger between Shearman & Sterling and Allen & Overy in May 2024, the team has expanded. Elaine Johnston is a go-to for business-critical and global mergers, while Noah Brumfield, based in Washington DC, stands out for his expertise in the tech industry, regularly representing clients in high-stakes deals and strategic disputes. Elsewhere in the team, Hugh Hollman, who splits his time between the Washington and Brussels office, is distinguished for his work on global merger reviews, while New York-based Puja Patel, promoted to partner in April 2024, plays a key role in Second Request investigations and merger-related litigation.

Routinely involved in high-stakes mergers and merger-related litigation, Baker Botts L.L.P. continues to work for leading clients across the energy, tech, and pharma industries, representing them in DOJ and FTC investigations. Lauded for its ability to provide ‘cutting-edge advice’, the team possesses strong multijurisdictional capabilities, frequently collaborating with European teams on a host of business-critical mandates. Global antitrust chair John Taladay continues to enjoy success in major deal clearances, appearing frequently before the FTC and DOJ, as well as international antitrust enforcers. Mark Botti, praised as a ‘trusted advisor’, is noted for his ability to secure clearances for high-value mergers, as well as advising clients on government investigations, while Paul Cuomo is experienced in merger-related litigation. Matthew Adler is a key port of call for clients in the healthcare, chemicals, entertainment and energy sectors, providing specialist guidance on merger clearance matters and litigation. Former practice co-chair Maureen Ohlhausen has departed the firm.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP handles a steady flow of HSR filings for major international businesses and private equity investors while providing standout work on contentious merger-related investigations and litigation brought by the DOJ and FTC, as well as international antitrust enforcers. The team has broad sector expertise, with notable involvements in the financial services, consumer goods, pharma, and telecoms sectors, advising major international names in these industries. New York-based co-chair Michael Schaper continues to advise clients on complex transactions and government challenges, while co-chair Ted Hassi is an expert in obtaining merger clearances in transactions reviewed by the U.S. antitrust agencies. Erica Weisgerber, based in New York, specialises in financial services antitrust issues, and lead associate Leah Martin is noted for her work on complex merger investigations and obtaining merger clearances for top clients. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP continued its growth in the United States with the arrival of Justina Sessions from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Heather Lamberg from Winston & Strawn LLP in June 2023, contributing significant agency experience of complex merger review processes, including both the DOJ and FTC, while also expanding its work in the tech industry. The team regularly secures clearances for business-critical, global transactions, handling DOJ and FTC investigations, regulatory challenges, and multijurisdictional approvals. In addition to expanding its bench, the team also increased its share of household-name clients, adding Adobe, Uber, Netflix, and Camber Pharmaceuticals on its books. Jamillia Ferris oversees the practice and is distinguished for expertise representing industry-leading companies in navigating complex merger review processes before the FTC and DOJ. Mary Lehner is a key name for merger control work, advising clients such as United Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca. Lawyers are in Washington DC.

With a proven track of successfully representing private equity investors, public companies and financial institutions involved in challenging and complex antitrust matters, the team at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP collaborates seamlessly with the firm’s corporate and litigation practices, offering comprehensive global coverage from its offices in the US and Europe. The firm combines a steady deal flow with involvement in high-profile, contentious merger clearances across various industries. Washington DC-based antitrust chair Bernard Nigro , formerly FTC Deputy Director and Principal Assistant Deputy Attorney General at the Antitrust Division, serves clients across the tech, financial services, healthcare and energy sectors. Nathaniel Asker advises public companies, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies on antitrust aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, while Aleksandr Livshits is noted for his work on cross-border matters. Practitioners mentioned are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP remains active on complex, business-critical merger mandates for blue-chip clients, and enjoyed success in contested mergers in 2023, most notably representing VMware, Inc. in its acquisition by Broadcom, Inc. The firm has broad multijurisdictional capabilities, regularly working with its teams in Europe on cross-border merger control mandates, and can call upon key agency experience in its senior team, including practice co-chair Stephen Weissman, a former FTC Director. Co-chair Cynthia Richman regularly handles litigation arising from contested and proposed mergers, while San Francisco-based Rachel Brass is noted for her cross-border capabilities. Michael Perry has extensive expertise in FTC and DOJ merger processes, advising clients across the healthcare, life sciences, energy, and technology industries. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Offering a strong focus on regulated industries such as life sciences and tech, the team at Goodwin has a particularly strong focus on strategic merger clearances, successfully preempting Second Requests from the DOJ and FTC, and a successful record in contentious merger cases. The firm continues to be active on high-profile mandates, notably  representing iRobot in its proposed $1.7 billion acquisition by Amazon. The practice is jointly led by Andrew Lacy and Arman Oruc. Lacy is an experienced transactional antitrust advisor, while Oruc, who splits his time between DC and Los Angeles, is a key name for merger clearance and antitrust litigation. John Goheen joined the team from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in January 2023, expanding the firm’s reach across the tech, healthcare, pharma, retail and financial services sectors. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Linklaters LLP advises clients in the pharma, healthcare, and financial services industries on merger clearance for M&A, combining work on HSR filings with strong capabilities across DOJ and FTC investigations, including Second Request proceedings, global approval processes, and antitrust litigation relating to mergers. Leveraging its considerable global network, the team seamlessly co-ordinates global approvals in concert with its international offices, including those in the UK and Europe, to effectively represent global clients. Practice head Antonia Sherman, based in Washington DC, is noted for her specialism on obtaining merger clearances both under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and the laws of non-US jurisdictions. In the New York office, Tom McGrath is recommended for his experience in the life sciences and chemicals industries, while Douglas Tween is noted for his litigation capabilities.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles merger clearances for public companies and private equity funds, combining a steady stream of HSR filings and joint venture approvals with notable litigation capabilities. In a standout representation for practice head New York-based Harry Robins , the firm represented Intercontinental Exchange Inc. in its $11.9bn acquisition of Black Knight Inc., an unprecedented settlement with the FTC. Jonathan Rich is noted for his expertise in merger approvals and related investigations across industries such as chemicals, soft drinks, music, financial services, and residential real estate, and Ryan Kantor continues to play key roles in business-critical investigations and enforcement actions. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Joshua Goodman, a former FTC official, expanding its regulatory expertise. Attorneys are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise stated.

Morrison Foerster offers a broad nationwide antitrust practice with a strong presence across New York, Washington DC and San Francisco, working with clients in regulated industry antitrust issues sectors, particularly in the tech, telecoms, and life sciences fields. The team is well-versed in merger clearance processes, including FTC Second Request investigations, as well as cross-border matters. The practice is jointly steered by Alexander Okuliar and Lisa Phelan. Praised as ‘smart, practical, and responsive’, Okuliar has deep agency experience and remains active on high-profile transactions, while Phelan is noted for her expertise in contentious investigations. Jeff Jaeckel is a key port of call for domestic and international corporations on a host of antitrust matters. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Fielding a strong team, praised for its ‘great expertise’, Vinson & Elkins LLP is routinely involved in complex and high-profile clearances across highly scrutinized sectors such as energy, tech, chemicals, and pharma. The team was strengthened by the arrival of Michael Scarborough and Dylan Ballard who have expanded the firm’s merger-related investigations and litigation work in San Francisco, while Kara Kuritz reinforces the firm’s DOJ and FTC expertise. As well as handling major US clearances, related investigations, and litigation, the firm is also adept at handling cross-border mandates. Co-head Hill Wellford handles HSR filings, government investigations, and litigation for clients in a range of industries, while fellow co-head Jason Powers specializes in energy related litigation. Darren Tucker regularly handles transactions in the tech, energy, and pharma sectors, and counsel Evan Miller is noted for his expertise in government investigations, HSR filings, and civil litigation.

The ‘exceptionally experienced’ team at Akin, lauded for its ‘breadth of knowledge’, has a successful track record in high-value, strategic merger clearances, focusing on market-defining transactions for a range of clients facing regulatory scrutiny by US and international agencies. The practice is well-placed to secure multi-jurisdictional clearance for transactions in concert with foreign counsel and the firm’s global offices, particularly London. Practice head Corey Roush regularly represents clients before the FTC, DOJ and state attorneys general on contentious merger-related investigations and litigation. Gorav Jindal is a vastly skilled figure, overseeing all phases of merger investigations conducted by the DOJ and FTC, while Brian Rafkin advises clients spanning the healthcare, chemicals, tech and semiconductors sectors. Attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Offering significant agency experience, multijurisdictional capabilities, and a successful record in high-value, strategic merger clearances, specialist antitrust firm Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider is well-positioned to assist clients on both contentious and non-contentious merger work. The firm handles work in a wide range of industries, with notable involvements in tech, healthcare, and pharma. Practice head Michael Keeley is noted for his experience in defending litigated merger challenges, advising the likes of Tyson Foods and Thermo Fisher. In a standout representation for the firm, New York-based John Harkrider is representing VMware in its $69bn acquisition by Broadcom, a significant deal in the tech industry. The New York office is also home to Lisl Dunlop , noted for her strong international profile, and Nicholas Gaglio who is a go-to for investigations and merger-related litigation. Jeny Maier is also a key figure, with expertise in tech and healthcare mandates. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Clifford Chance draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ability to ‘see across a multi-jurisdictional chessboard.’ The firm adeptly handles cross-border merger clearances, DOJ and FTC investigations, with notable expertise in facilitating approvals in healthcare and life sciences transactions. The team is led by Timothy Cornell, a prolific merger counsel noted for his expertise in multijurisdictional clearance processes and investigations, and Sharis Pozen, who has deep agency experience and specializes in merger litigation, both in the US and against global enforcement bodies. Brian Concklin handles DOJ and FTC approvals for deals, as well as advising on transactions requiring multijurisdictional approvals, while Robert Houck represents clients in complex commercial litigation. The team’s litigation capabilities have been bolstered by the 2023 arrival of William Lavery and Joseph Ostoyich from Baker Botts L.L.P., as well as the 2024 arrival of counsel Lauren Rackow in New York from Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP continues to handle a steady stream of merger cases before the DOJ and FTC, with a team offering agency expertise across contentious and non-contentious merger reviews, investigations, and associated litigation. William J. Kolasky , chair of the firm's antitrust practice, handles deals in a wide range of industries, representing major clients in telecoms, private equity, and pharma. He sits in the Washington DC office, where co-head Philip Giordano is based, noted for his work on transactional matters before the FTC and DOJ. Robert B. Bell has wide-ranging experience securing merger clearance before the FTC and DOJ, as well as representing clients in criminal and civil antitrust matters. The team’s litigation capabilities have been bolstered by the arrival of Los Angles-based Yi-Chin Ho , who joined from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP houses an ‘exceptional’ team, noted for its specialism in the healthcare and tech industries where it advises domestic and international names on merger clearances, government merger investigations and litigation. The team combines a solid deal flow from the firm’s active transactional practices with regular destination instructions for business-critical strategic deals. Raymond Jacobsen secures approvals for deals in a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, life sciences and energy, while Stephen Wu, based in Chicago, focuses on antitrust litigation, advising clients on antitrust enforcement agencies investigations. The team has grown in 2023 with the addition of Elai Katz, formely of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, and Ryan Tisch, who joined from Crowell & Moring LLP. New York-based Katz is regularly involved in high-profile FTC and state regulatory matters, and Tisch advised on complex operational issues such as joint ventures, trade association activities and other competitor collaborations. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Fielding a team of ‘top-notch antitrust partners’, the ‘thriving’ practice at Milbank is active on domestic and cross-border deals across a range of industries and possesses the ability to handle HSR filings alongside agency investigations and challenges. The practice is steered by the ‘highly effective’ Fiona Schaeffer in the New York office, who is noted for her expertise across the full spectrum of antitrust issues, ranging from criminal investigations and civil litigation to M&A and joint ventures. Washington DC-based Adam Di Vincenzo focuses on representing clients in government reviews of mergers, antitrust investigations, and litigation. The team has been bolstered with the arrival of ‘fantastic litigator’ Richard Parker from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, adding significant experience in contentious regulatory investigations and enforcement actions relating to mergers to the team. Additionally, Grant Bermann joined from the DOJ, further deepening the team’s agency experience.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP remains active on high-stakes merger clearances in the US, notably advising Asiana Airlines in its proposed acquisition by Korean Air and defending Penguin Random House in the DOJ merger challenge to its proposed acquisition of Simon & Schuster. The team is also well-equipped to handle domestic and cross-border approvals in the semiconductors, agriculture, and aerospace sectors, acting for a diverse range of clients. Antitrust co-chair Ian Simmons is a go-to for merger litigation, advising the likes of American Airlines, Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Samsung. Ben Bradshaw also co-chairs the team and remains highly active on contentious mandates, acting for clients hailing from the worlds of aviation, pharma, and consumer electronics. Former DOJ Antitrust Division official Julia Schiller has extensive experience in merger reviews, antitrust litigation, and antitrust investigations. New York-based Peter Herrick joined the team from Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider, bolstering the team’s capabilities in high-stakes antitrust litigation. Katrina Robson has left the practice. Attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

The team at Ropes & Gray LLP combines a strong record in DOJ and FTC approval processes with capabilities in international reviews and investigations, with the team regularly collaborating with its European offices on a range of cross-border mandates. The practice excels particularly in the life sciences sector, where it adeptly handles HSR filings, investigations and regulatory actions. Leading the team is Mark Popofsky,who is recommended for his expertise in antitrust litigation, representing clients across the telecoms, semiconductor and healthcare sectors. Elsewhere in the team, Michael McFalls regularly represents clients before the FTC and DOJ, while Jonathan Klarfeld continues to advise clients on significant merger investigations and challenges. The team has been strengthened by the arrival of Jacqueline Grise , who joined from Cooley LLP in early 2024. Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is reputable among a wide range of businesses and private equity investors for its capacity to handle large and prolific flow of HSR filings and domestic and cross-border merger proceedings. The firm combines its active merger work with contentious and litigation expertise, representing clients in fields such as healthcare, energy, tech and manufacturing sectors. Antitrust co-chair Leo Caseria represents clients in complex merger-related litigation, while fellow co-chair Ann O’Brien, who joined the team from BakerHostetler, specializes in criminal and civil government antitrust investigations and litigation. John Carroll advises clients on US and international merger control processes, as well as government investigations. Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is active in domestic and cross-border mergers, with expertise in DOJ and FTC approvals, as well as multijurisdictional capabilities, representing international and US-based clients in merger clearances and investigations. The firm handles work in a wide range of regulated industries, with notable involvements in financial services, tech, and pharma. The team is jointly led by Wesley Powell  and Jeffrey Korn -Korn has been praised as a ‘tremendous litigator.’ Matthew Freimuth boasts significant trial experience, with particular expertise handling matters at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Katrina Robson from O'Melveny & Myers LLP, who has been lauded by clients as a ‘superstar’ and ‘one of the best antitrust litigators in her generation.’ All attorneys mentioned are based in New York. William Rooney  has left the firm.

Fielding a ‘deep bench of attorneys in both the US and Europe’, WilmerHale advises clients on HSR filings and possesses strong contentious capabilities, advising clients across the defense, healthcare, and telecoms. The team is well-positioned to handle transactions requiring multijurisdictional approvals, representing domestic and international clients in agency reviews and challenges. Antitrust chair Thomas Mueller handles all elements of merger clearance with transatlantic implications, while co-head Hartmut Schneider, dual-qualified in the US and Germany, is noted for his experience in the life sciences and tech sectors. Leon Greenfield is praised for his ‘strong analytical skills.’ Lawyers mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Well-regarded for its ability to provide ‘thoughtful, commercial antitrust analysis’, the team at Alston & Bird LLP handles merger review processes for a diverse roster of clients hailing from the worlds of telecoms, private equity, and manufacturing. Spread across Washington DC, Atlanta and San Francisco, the team is equipped to assist with international pre-merger notifications, helping clients navigate numerous jurisdictions. ‘Consummate team player’ Adam Biegel co-leads the team alongside Atlanta’s Matthew Kent and San Francisco’s Teresa Bonder. John Snyder is noted for his experience before the DOJ, FTC, and state attorneys general. Unless otherwise stated, attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Baker McKenzie LLP houses a ‘premier merger control practice’, noted for its ability to handle contentious and non-contentious matters for a diverse range of clients. The team demonstrates strong multijurisdictional capabilities, frequently collaborating with its European counterparts on cross-border merger control mandates. Mark Hamer and Creighton Macy jointly lead the team. Hamer, global antitrust chair, continues to lead on high-profile merger clearances, while North America chair Macy is noted for his work on merger investigations. Both Nandu Machiraju and Mark Weiss were promoted to partner in 2023 and stand out for their expertise in the tech, pharma and healthcare sectors. Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Praised for its ‘vast knowledge, great response times and advice’, the team at Cooley LLP stands out for its expertise in the tech and life sciences sectors, navigating major transactions for clients domestically and internationally. The team is spearheaded by Ethan Glass, an experienced advisor on bet-the-company mergers in key sectors such as tech, life sciences and healthcare. Megan Browdie continues to handle merger review and government investigations, representing clients before the DOJ, FTC, and state antitrust authorities. Jacqueline Grise left the firm in early 2024.

Fenwick & West LLP offers broad expertise across DOJ and merger processes, standing out for its specialism in the tech and life sciences sectors. The team also possesses the capabilities to advise on transactions requiring multijurisdictional approvals. Steering the practice is Thomas Ensign, who is noted for his ability to handle a steady flow of HSR filings for clients operating across the tech, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. Steve Albertson has extensive experience advising clients before the DOJ and FTC. Practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC.

The ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ team at King & Spalding LLP advises clients across the tech, chemicals, and education sectors on DOJ and FTC clearance proceedings, investigations and litigation. The practice led by Jeff Spigel, who is described as an ‘exceptional attorney’, frequently represents clients before the DOJ and FTC. Former practice head Norman Armstrong left the firm in January 2024.

Winston & Strawn LLP‘s antitrust group has a strong track record in complex clearances, as well as on contentious merger-related investigations and litigation brought by the DOJ and FTC. Neely Agin, based in Washington DC, is a key port of call for leading US and international companies seeking advice on merger review and clearance processes. New York's Richie Falek advises Fortune 500 and other public and private clients on antitrust and trade regulation issues, while Conor Reidy, based in Chicago, specializes in complex commercial litigation.