Sidley Austin LLP's merger control practice is active on complex, high-stakes reviews, often alongside broader investigations and litigation, with a growing profile on large transactions that attract close agency scrutiny. The team is led by Benjamin Nagin , with Corey Roush, formerly of Akin, adding further depth to the firm’s merger control offering.

Well-regarded for its ability to handle the ‘most complex and high-stakes merger control matters with precision and creativity’, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton confirms its status as a market-leading outfit in merger control work, advising clients throughout the full lifecycle, from clearance strategy and second requests through to litigation. Cross-border coordination is a hallmark of the firm’s approach, with the US team regularly working alongside European colleagues on transactions subject to parallel review. The practice is jointly steered by Leah Brannon and Heather Nyong’o, with Brannon bringing extensive experience in global merger clearance, and San-Francisco based Nyong’o focused on US enforcement-facing work. Elsewhere in the team, Silicon Valley-based Brian Byrne and Daniel Culley play central roles on cross-border transactions, regularly coordinating US strategy with European colleagues on parallel reviews. Longstanding figure in the field George Cary, who splits his time between DC and San Francisco, remains closely involved in complex merger challenges, while David Gelfand is frequently called on when matters escalate into litigation. Bruce Hoffman advises clients drawing on his experience as former Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, particularly in regulated sectors, and Kenneth Reinker remains a key port of call for clients operating in the pharma, healthcare, high-technology, media and finance sectors. Elaine Ewing advises on merger review and wider antitrust matters in the US and internationally, while New York-based Puja Patel focuses on merger control strategy, including second requests and cross-border filings, alongside antitrust litigation. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Fielding an ‘extremely strong antitrust team’, Latham & Watkins is a go-to firm for complex merger control mandates, particularly those involving parallel investigations and litigation risk. It is frequently instructed on transactions requiring coordinated filings and strategic oversight across jurisdictions, with its US, Brussels and London offices working closely on multi-jurisdictional reviews. At the helm of the practice is a trio of experts: global chair Michael G. Egge, who remains active on cross-border transactions involving extensive international coordination; vice chair Lindsey Champlin, who advises on high-stakes merger control matters across the energy, automotive, advertising and live entertainment sectors; and New York-based vice chair Lawrence Buterman, a go-to trial lawyer on high-stakes antitrust litigation and government investigations. Amanda Reeves advises on merger clearance alongside antitrust litigation and conduct investigations, while Kelly Fayne, based in San Francisco, advises technology and media companies on merger control, investigations and antitrust litigation. Other notable individuals include New York-based Katherine Rocco, who is a key port of call for clients across technology, life sciences, healthcare and consumer markets, and Ian Conner, who draws on his FTC experience to advise on healthcare-focused merger control and related antitrust matters. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

With a steady flow of large-cap merger reviews, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP continues to be instructed on transactions that attract close scrutiny from US agencies and parallel review in other jurisdictions. The team works closely with the firm’s M&A and litigation practices as matters progress from filing strategy to contested proceedings. Recent mandates span transformational transactions and work in regulated sectors, including healthcare, technology and industrials. Leadership of the practice is split between Washington DC and New York. In DC, global head Steven Sunshine remains a central figure on complex enforcement matters and antitrust disputes, while Tara Reinhart is regularly instructed on criminal and civil investigations brought by federal agencies and state enforcers. David Wales brings experience across both government-facing work and private-sector mandates. The New York practice is led by Karen Lent, who is well regarded for defence-side antitrust work, with Boris Bershteyn working alongside her and co-leading the firm’s client defence practice, where he is a go-to litigator on complex antitrust disputes and high-profile class actions.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP continues to be a go-to firm on complex, cross-border merger reviews, with the team regularly instructed on transactions that attract close scrutiny from US agencies and parallel review overseas. Backed by deep former-agency expertise and a proven track record in steering deals through second requests and remedy negotiations, the team remains a regular fixture on transactions in the pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors. Leadership of the Washington DC practice sits with Brianne Kucerik, Michael Moiseyev and Jeffrey Perry. Kucerik advises on merger review across sectors including pharmaceuticals and industrials, while Moiseyev and Perry draw on senior FTC experience when guiding clients through transactions facing heightened scrutiny. Jeff White is regularly involved on multi-jurisdictional deals alongside high-stakes antitrust litigation. Megan Granger advises on merger review in the technology, retail and energy sectors, often coordinating advocacy before US and overseas agencies, while Elizabeth Ross handles complex US and global regulatory approvals and antitrust investigations across energy, pharmaceuticals, private equity and asset management.

Arnold & Porter continues to be instructed on large, multi-jurisdictional merger reviews for multinational clients across the technology, energy and payments sectors, with life sciences a particular area of strength. The team is regularly brought in where transactions raise detailed regulatory issues, often alongside wider investigations and litigation. Co-head Michael B Bernstein is regularly instructed by both public and private companies on significant transactions, Niels Christian Ersbøll and C. Scott Lent also co-head the team. Elsewhere in the team, Jonathan Gleklen is a key figure for clients in high technology and network industries, and Sonia Pfaffenroth advises on complex antitrust disputes, drawing on her background at the Department of Justice. Matthew Tabas advises on US antitrust matters, spanning merger clearance, government investigations and litigation. Attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP‘s merger control practice continues to be a fixture on some of the most closely watched transactions in the market, regularly advising boards, corporates and financial sponsors on deals that attract sustained scrutiny from competition authorities. The team is particularly active on large-cap, multi-jurisdictional transactions, with technology, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, defence and retail featuring prominently in its workload. The practice is co-led from Washington DC by Noah Joshua Phillips, whose practice spans merger control, investigations and contentious antitrust matters across sectors including healthcare, technology and pharmaceuticals. In New York, Margaret Segall is regularly instructed on complex, heavily scrutinised transactions involving merger clearance and regulatory approval, while Andrew Finch, who joined as co-lead from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, brings senior DOJ experience to high-stakes antitrust litigation, investigations and merger reviews across a wide range of industries.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP continues to advise on domestic and cross-border merger control mandates, working closely with the firm’s M&A team on transactions spanning pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, telecoms, financial services and consumer-facing industries. The team is frequently engaged on matters where merger review is coupled with private challenges and parallel agency scrutiny, and is a regular presence on transactions that require coordinated filings across multiple jurisdictions. Arthur Burke leads the practice from New York, advising technology and media clients on the antitrust aspects of M&A alongside investigations and contentious proceedings. Also in New York, Ronan Harty is regularly involved in complex merger reviews requiring clearance across multiple authorities, while Howard Shelanski brings senior regulatory experience from the FTC, FCC and the Executive Branch to transactions in the technology, distribution and pharmaceuticals sectors. The New York bench was strengthened by the arrival of Nathaniel Asker, who advises corporates and private equity sponsors on merger reviews before the DOJ and FTC, alongside Jessica Delbaum, a go-to practitioner for multi-jurisdictional mergers involving the FTC and DOJ.

Freshfields continues to be active on large, multi-jurisdictional merger reviews, with the US team closely integrated into the firm’s wider global competition platform. The practice is regularly engaged on transactions that attract scrutiny across multiple authorities, with particular strength on matters involving European coordination alongside US filings. Sector coverage is broad, with a steady flow of work in life sciences, technology and regulated industries. Practice head Christine Wilson brings senior regulatory experience from the FTC alongside in-house and private practice experience, and is regularly instructed on high-profile merger control matters requiring close engagement with enforcement agencies. Mary Lehner remains a central figure for clients navigating complex merger control processes, while Meghan Rissmiller is noted for her work in telecoms and life sciences matters. Jennifer Mellott splits her time between Washington DC and Brussels, reflecting the team’s transatlantic focus on coordinated filings and agency engagement, and Justin Stewart-Teitelbaum brings further experience advising on matters involving European Commission review. The team was further strengthened by the arrival of Marin Boney from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, who advises private equity sponsors and corporate clients on cross-border merger reviews, regulatory risk and deal structuring across technology, energy and healthcare sectors. All mentioned attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Counting private equity sponsors and leading companies among its key roster of clients, Kirkland & Ellis LLP continues to handle a high volume of large-scale merger reviews that attract close scrutiny from competition authorities. The practice handles the full spectrum of merger control work, from high-volume filings to complex, contentious matters. Coordination with European teams remains a regular feature of the practice on transactions with cross-border clearance requirements. In Washington DC, Matthew Reilly draws on senior FTC experience to advise on merger reviews that face serious enforcement risk, and is regularly brought in on transactions heading toward Second Request and potential litigation. Daniel Zach is noted for his track record of leading high-profile investigations and litigated challenges across the pharma, life sciences, defence and technology sectors. Recent lateral hires have added further depth to the bench, including Maria Raptis from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; John Harkrider and DC-based Craig Minerva, both from Axinn; and DC-based Benjamin Able from the DOJ Antitrust Division and Colin Herd from the FTC. Attorneys are based in New York unless otherwise stated.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP fields a well-established merger control practice across New York, Washington DC and San Francisco, advising corporates and private equity sponsors on transactions that draw close scrutiny from US enforcers. On large-cap deals, the team is a regular fixture, helping steer transactions through clearance while navigating enforcement risk and potential challenges. Leading the team is Scott Sher, who advises on high-value merger reviews across the life sciences, technology and retail sectors. Aidan Synott is frequently instructed by public companies and private equity funds on merger review strategy, while Eyitayo St. Matthew-Daniel advises multinational clients on merger reviews and contentious investigations, drawing on prior DOJ Antitrust Division experience to handle matters before US and international competition authorities. David Higbee and Benjamin Gris, who both joined from A&O Shearman, advise on merger reviews and antitrust investigations before the DOJ and FTC, with experience spanning sectors including defence, energy, financial services and technology. Jesse Solomon, who joined from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, advises clients on securing U.S. and global competition clearances for transactions across the life sciences, healthcare, media and industrials sectors. Andrew Finch and Joshua Soven have left the firm. All mentioned attorneys based in Washington DC.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP remains active on large, closely scrutinised merger reviews across the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, finance, media and entertainment, energy and software sectors. The team is frequently instructed on transactions that involve parallel review in the US and Europe, working closely with colleagues in London and Brussels on transatlantic filings, while also handling the contentious and investigative issues that can arise alongside clearance strategy. Leadership of the practice is shared between Peter Guryan in New York, alongside Sara Razi and John Terzaken in Washington DC. Guryan advises corporates and financial sponsors on both civil and criminal antitrust matters connected to M&A activity, while Razi draws on combined private practice and government experience to represent clients in investigations before the DOJ, FTC and state attorneys general. Terzaken brings enforcement-side experience to government investigations and related litigation across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and energy. Other notable individual include ‘rising antitrust star’ Preston Miller, who has extensive experience obtaining regulatory clearances from domestic and international competition authorities, and Karen Kazmerzak, praised for her ‘creative mind with incisive commercial business sense’ on complex transactions before the FTC and DOJ. All attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz continues to be instructed on high-stakes merger reviews out of New York, advising on transactions that attract close scrutiny from US enforcers and progress into contested proceedings. The team is regularly engaged on clearance strategy before the DOJ, FTC and state attorneys general, bringing a deep bench of transactional antitrust expertise to multibillion-dollar mandates for a diverse roster of clients in the US and beyond. Ilene Gotts is a go-to adviser on merger clearance and antitrust risk for major, high-profile transactions, drawing on deep FTC experience and a long track record guiding clients through closely scrutinised deals. Nelson Fitts is frequently instructed on high-stakes merger reviews, advising on clearance strategy and advocacy before US and foreign competition authorities, while Damian Didden focuses on antitrust risk assessment and merger review strategy across the telecoms, financial services, media, technology, defence and retail sectors. Christina Ma supports clients through merger investigations, litigation and ongoing compliance issues.

Lauded for its ‘clear, pragmatic, and commercially focused advice’, White & Case LLP is frequently instructed on cross-border merger reviews across the US, Europe and the Middle East, reflecting the team’s truly global reach on multi-jurisdictional clearance work. The team is also active on large-scale domestic mandates that attract close scrutiny from US enforcers. Rebecca Farrington co-chairs the practice from Washington DC alongside Mark Gidley, advising on merger and conduct investigations, antitrust litigation and regulatory strategy before the DOJ and FTC, while Gidley brings senior DOJ experience to high-stakes merger reviews and contested clearance matters before US and international competition authorities. George Paul is a key figure on multi-jurisdictional merger reviews and regulatory investigations, while Heather Greenfield is noted for her work on healthcare and life sciences transactions. The ‘exceptional’  Tamer Nagy brings experience before competition authorities in the Middle East on transactions requiring parallel clearances. Gabriela Baca is regularly instructed by private equity sponsors on US merger filings and global coordination. All mentioned attorneys are based in Washington DC. Anna Kertesz has departed the team.

Axinn is a specialist antitrust boutique that is regularly instructed on complex, cross-border merger reviews for major corporates and private equity sponsors. The team remains active on large-cap deals that attract close scrutiny from US agencies, and is frequently engaged on matters involving Second Requests and litigation risk alongside multijurisdictional filings. In Washington DC, practice chair Michael Keeley is regularly instructed on high-stakes merger reviews and contested clearance matters, while Jeny Maier advises on merger clearance from deal structuring and notification strategy through agency review, investigations and remedies. Also in DC is Leslie Overton, who draws on senior DOJ Antitrust Division experience to support clients facing heightened scrutiny, while New York-based Lisl Dunlop is a go-to on healthcare transactions. John Harkrider and Craig Minerva have left the firm.

Baker Botts L.L.P. continues to be instructed on merger reviews connected to high-stakes transactions, including matters that proceed into contentious proceedings. The team also handles multi-jurisdictional filings and coordinated reviews across the US and other competition authorities, with recent work spanning healthcare, telecoms and media and entertainment. Steering the practice is Paul Cuomo, who advises on US and multi-jurisdictional merger reviews, regularly appearing before US and overseas competition authorities. John Taladay regularly supports clients through complex, multi-jurisdictional merger reviews before US and international competition authorities, while Matthew Adler is noted for his experience in the chemicals, healthcare, entertainment, and energy sectors. Jody Boudreault supports clients from HSR filings through to investigations and negotiated outcomes with regulators.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s merger control practice is anchored in a litigation-led model, with antitrust litigators handling the full run of merger analysis, HSR filings, second requests and any resulting court challenges. The practice is jointly steered by Ted Hassi, who advises major corporates on merger review and wider competition risk, and New York-based Michael Schaper, who is a key contact for clients in the media space. Tim Cornell advises corporates and private equity sponsors on complex merger reviews and antitrust litigation, while Leah Martin brings trial experience to matters spanning merger clearance and civil and criminal antitrust investigations before the US agencies. All attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Dechert’s merger control team advises on high-stakes transactions that frequently sit alongside investigations and contentious proceedings, with the team handling matters from HSR analysis and Second Requests through to litigation. The practice spans Washington DC, San Francisco and New York, working closely with European colleagues on cross-border clearance strategies, with particularly strong activity in retail, life sciences and technology-driven transactions. The group is co-chaired by Steven Bizar, based between Philadelphia and New York, and DC-based Mike Cowie, whose work focuses on government merger investigations and litigation matters in the healthcare and life sciences space. James Fishkin is regularly instructed by retail-sector clients, while in San Francisco Russell Cohen focuses on technology-driven transactions, and New York-based Beverly Ang is a go-to for premerger strategy and filings.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP’s antitrust merger control team works hand-in-glove with the firm’s corporate and litigation practices across the US and Europe, advising on complex, high-profile transactions alongside investigations and contentious proceedings. Spearheading the team is Barry Nigro, who splits his time between Washington DC and New York and brings former DOJ Antitrust Division leadership experience to large-scale merger reviews and contested clearance strategies. In New York, Aleksandr Livshits is particularly active on technology-driven and software transactions, while Lexi Michaud regularly advises on HSR strategy and filings. Kathy O’Neill joined the team from Cooley LLP, having previously held senior leadership roles at the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, and brings enforcement-side perspective to merger clearance work and contested review.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP fields a comprehensive merger control practice, advising major corporates and sports and technology organisations on complex, closely scrutinised transactions. The team works in close coordination with colleagues in Europe and beyond to steer multi-jurisdictional clearances for global deals. The practice is co-headed by Rachel Brass, Stephen Weissman and Cynthia Richman: San Francisco-based Brass boasts a strong track record in contested and cross-border matters, while in Washington DC Weissman regularly handles merger investigations before the FTC and DOJ, and Richman is a key port of call for clients in the tech sector, network industries and digital platforms space.  Michael Perry, also based in DC, is frequently instructed on merger clearance in healthcare, life sciences, energy and technology.

Well-regarded for its ‘business minded, practical advice’ and ‘pragmatic’ approach, Goodwin continues to feature prominently on complex U.S. merger reviews, particularly for private equity, technology and life sciences clients, where transactions often raise novel issues and attract scrutiny from the DOJ and FTC alongside parallel review overseas. Andrew Lacy co-leads the antitrust practice, and is a go-to for transaction-driven antitrust risk, advising on HSR strategy, cross-border filing obligations and agency engagement before the DOJ, FTC and state regulators, alongside Arman Oruc, who is frequently engaged by private equity sponsors and public companies. Paul Jin is a key name for complex HSR filings, while Simone Waterbury in Boston is frequently instructed on cross-border transactions. All Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Hogan Lovells Cadwalader fields a Washington, DC–based merger control team that works closely with colleagues across Europe to coordinate clearance strategies on cross-border transactions, and is frequently instructed on deals facing heightened scrutiny from the FTC and DOJ. The team is particularly active across the technology, media and healthcare sectors, with growing visibility on transactions involving digital platforms and AI-driven businesses. The ‘absolutely superb’ Logan Breed leads the team and is a key adviser on merger reviews in the technology, telecoms and media space. He is supported by Kenneth Field, who is a go-to for healthcare transactions navigating U.S. agency review, and Lauren Battaglia, who continues to play a key role in high-stakes merger reviews drawing government scrutiny.

Linklaters LLP brings its international platform to bear on complex, multi-jurisdictional merger control mandates, regularly coordinating clearance strategies across the US and Europe. The practice is complemented by parallel strength in foreign investment and cartel matters, giving the team range on transactions where regulatory scrutiny extends beyond merger review alone. Clients across the financial services, healthcare and life sciences, and energy sectors regularly turn to the team, which is headed up from Washington DC by Antonia Sherman, a go-to for Latin American filings. In New York, Tom McGrath is noted for life sciences and chemicals work, while John Eichlin is noted for his expertise in technology, financial services and pharmaceuticals matters.

Based in Washington DC, McDermott Will & Schulte‘s antitrust and competition group is a go-to for complex merger clearance, including acting for third parties impacted by proposed transactions. The team advises on U.S. and cross-border reviews across the technology, healthcare, financial services, life sciences and agriculture sectors. U.S. antitrust head Jon Dubrow and global antitrust head Ryan Tisch lead the practice, with Joel Grosberg co-heading the antitrust mergers focus group and drawing on prior FTC experience on matters in the chemicals, computer hardware and paper industries. Raymond Jacobsen combines merger clearance work with antitrust litigation, with notable experience in defence-sector matters.

Milbank‘s growing antitrust practice is increasingly visible on complex, cross-border merger reviews, with the team frequently acting as global coordinating counsel on transactions requiring parallel clearances in the US and Europe. The group pairs merger control with deep bench strength in antitrust litigation, advising on investigations before the DOJ, FTC and European Commission. Energy, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and financial services feature prominently in the team’s recent deal flow. At the helm is a ‘dream team’, with Fiona Schaeffer in New York working in tandem with Adam Di Vincenzo in Washington DC. Schaeffer is noted for her experience handling emerging AI and ESG-related issues, while Di Vincenzo regularly represents private equity sponsors and portfolio companies in government merger reviews. DC-based Richard Parker has extensive experience in merger control matters before enforcement agencies and the courts.

Morrison Foerster’s antitrust and competition practice advises on complex merger control and cross-border competition matters, with particular experience in the technology sector. The team regularly acts on multi-jurisdictional transactions and advises clients across a range of regulated industries, including financial services, telecoms, aerospace and defence, and life sciences. It also has notable experience supporting Japanese clients on international antitrust mandates. Co-head Alexander Okuliar, based in Washington, DC, draws on experience at both the Department of Justice and the FTC, advising on litigation, government investigations and merger reviews Fellow co-head Lisa Phelan, also in DC, advises on complex antitrust and competition matters across a range of high-stakes mandates.

A&O Shearman fields a transatlantic merger control team spanning Dallas, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington DC, advising on complex, strategic transactions with coordinated clearance strategies across major jurisdictions. Noah Brumfield splits his time between Washington DC and Silicon Valley, advising on global merger strategy and enforcement risk, with particular strength at the intersection of antitrust and IP. For multi-jurisdictional mergers, Elaine Johnston is a go-to for chemicals, pharma and healthcare transactions before the FTC and DOJ. David Higbee, Puja Patel, Benjamin Gris and Jessica Delbaum have left the team.

Akin‘s merger control practice is a go-to for contested and high-stakes transactions, with the team regularly steering deals through Second Requests and agency challenges. Gorav Jindal co-leads the firm’s Washington DC-based global antitrust practice from and is a go-to for litigated and Second Request merger reviews, combining engineering and economics expertise with trial-hardened advocacy to steer clients through the most contested clearance processes. Brian Rafkin heads the HSR practice and is a key adviser on reportability and filings across healthcare, chemicals, airlines and tech. Dennis Schmelzer also plays a central role on merger reviews and related investigations.

Praised for providing ‘practical, business-first advice’, the merger control team at Clifford Chance covers the full lifecycle of U.S. and cross-border reviews, from early-stage antitrust analysis through complex agency investigations and multi-jurisdictional clearance processes. The team advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters, with notable activity across the technology, healthcare, and energy sectors. Washington DC-based Leigh Oliver heads the U.S. antitrust practice and brings deep experience advising clients in highly regulated industries, supported by Joseph Ostoyich, who is a key name for litigation arising from merger challenges. Sharis Pozen‘s background at the DOJ, FTC and in-house strengthens the team’s approach to merger clearance and investigations.

With teams in New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC, Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP advises on the merger control aspects of U.S. and cross-border transactions, supporting clients through HSR filings, agency reviews and complex clearance processes. The practice has particular strength across the pharma, media and entertainment, technology, aviation, defence and financial services sectors. Washington DC-based Philip Giordano heads the team, bringing DOJ trial experience to merger reviews before the DOJ Antitrust Division and FTC. He is supported by William Kolasky, who is well regarded for multi-jurisdictional clearances. In Los Angeles, Yi-Chin Ho supports Chinese companies with U.S. merger filings, while Kristin Millay in DC is a key contact for HSR strategy and antitrust investigations.

O'Melveny’s antitrust practice, spanning California, New York, and Washington, DC, combines deep litigation capability with a strong merger control offering, with particular strength in the aviation sector. The practice is jointly led by Washington DC-based Courtney Dyer and Michael Tubach in San Francisco. Dyer regularly advises on bet-the-company merger control matters and complex conduct risk, while Tubach is a key name for DOJ investigations and criminal antitrust matters. In New York, Peter Herrick continues to advise on complex and high-stakes antitrust matters.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe‘s merger control team is increasingly sought out for complex, high-profile transactions in the technology and life sciences sectors, particularly where fast-moving innovation and AI-related investments attract heightened regulatory scrutiny. The practice is jointly steered by Amy Ray in Washington DC, and Eric Hochstadt in New York. Ray advises on complex merger reviews and competition investigations, drawing on deep agency-facing experience to guide clients through high-stakes regulatory scrutiny, while Hochstadt stands out for his work assisting clients in the tech, life sciences and financial services sectors. DC-based Craig Falls advises on complex merger clearances and contested reviews, with experience defending transactions before antitrust enforcers across the life sciences, technology and energy sectors.

Sheppard’s merger control practice is closely integrated with the firm’s corporate, antitrust and government enforcement teams, advising on HSR filings and complex merger reviews, including transactions that proceed into investigations and litigation. The group is particularly active in healthcare deals, alongside mandates in cement and concrete, with practice co-heads Leo Caseria and Ann O’Brien leading on matters involving DOJ, FTC and state enforcers. Attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Vinson & Elkins LLP’s merger control practice is noted for its cross-border strength, advising on transactions across the energy, technology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors. The team handles a high volume of HSR premerger notifications and multinational clearance mandates, led from Washington, DC by co-head Hill Wellford, whose DOJ Antitrust Division experience underpins work on tech platforms and energy transition matters. The merger control offering sits within the firm’s wider antitrust practice, with Houston-based co-head Jason Powers a key name for antitrust litigation.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP fields a well-established merger control practice with a strong track record guiding high-profile, multi-jurisdictional transactions through U.S. and European regulatory review, with particular strength advising private equity sponsors facing heightened antitrust scrutiny. Jeffrey Korn and Wesley Powell lead the practice from New York. They are ably supported by Katrina Robson in Washington DC, who is a go-to for media and telecoms matters.

WilmerHale‘s antitrust team advises clients on complex merger control matters, with particular strength in substantive HSR reviews and the coordination of multi-jurisdictional clearances alongside colleagues across Europe and other key jurisdictions. The Washington, DC-based practice is co-led by Hartmut Schneider, dual-qualified in the US and Germany with a focus on antitrust and intellectual property matters, and Jennifer Milici, who frequently represents clients in high-profile trials. Elsewhere in the DC team, Thomas Mueller focuses on transatlantic merger investigations drawing on experience in Brussels, while Leon Greenfield is a key name for merger clearance, investigations, and antitrust litigation.

Winston Taylor‘s merger control practice works closely with the firm’s M&A team to guide clients through U.S. and cross-border merger reviews, HSR filings, and antitrust investigations arising out of transactions. The practice is co-led by New York-based Richard Falek, who frequently leads complex domestic and multinational deals, and Chicago-based Conor Reidy. Also in Chicago is Kevin Goldstein, a key contact for transactions involving Japan.

Alston & Bird LLP’s merger control team advises on U.S. and cross-border reviews from its Washington DC, Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco offices, working closely with colleagues in London and Brussels on multijurisdictional filings. The practice has particular strength in the pharma, chemicals, technology and healthcare sectors. Leadership of the practice is shared between three partners: Atlanta-based Parker Miller; San Francisco Valarie Williams; and Washington DC-based John Snyder. The DC bench has been strengthened by Alexis Gilman following his arrival from Crowell & Moring LLP, bringing deep FTC experience to complex merger reviews and antitrust compliance.

Fielding a team of ‘excellent individuals’, the antitrust and competition practice at Baker McKenzie regularly handles complex merger control mandates, including multijurisdictional clearance matters in close coordination with the firm’s European teams. An ‘excellent and very pragmatic lawyer’, Creighton Macy leads the team from Washington DC, and is particularly noted for his expertise in cartel and merger investigations. Brian Burke, also in DC, is a key contact for merger clearance across the healthcare, technology, chemicals and telecoms sectors. Former co-head Mark Hamer has left the team.

The antitrust and competition team at Cooley LLP is regularly instructed by clients in the life sciences and technology sectors, operating out of Washington, DC and working closely with colleagues in Chicago, San Diego, New York, London and Brussels on multijurisdictional merger control matters. The practice is jointly led from Washington DC by Jeremy Morrison, who advises clients from pre-merger planning through to post-closing investigations, with experience across the energy, transportation and retail sectors, and Megan Browdie, a go-to for merger review and agency investigations, particularly for technology and life sciences clients. Former practice head Ethan Glass has left the team.

Fenwick & West LLP‘s antitrust practice is a go-to for novel competition issues in the life sciences and technology sectors, with the Washington, DC team working closely with colleagues in California and New York on complex, cross-border mandates. The group combines deep experience in M&A and civil investigations with federal and state litigation strength, with practice head Thomas Ensign advising biotech targets in high-stakes acquisitions. Co-head Steve Albertson continues to lead on merger clearance before the DOJ, FTC and state AGs, and fellow co-head Mark Ostrau is a key contact for international HSR filings. Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

King & Spalding fields a national antitrust and consumer protection team with strength across the healthcare, energy, and chemicals sectors, and deep experience engaging with enforcement agencies. Spearheading the team is Sean Royall, who splits his time between Washington, DC and Dallas and leads on high-stakes antitrust and consumer protection litigation, government investigations, and complex strategic counseling. In Washington DC, co-head Jeff Spigel advises boards and management on strategic mergers and antitrust matters, coordinating multi-jurisdictional clearances with US and global regulators.

Mayer Brown’s antitrust and competition team works closely with the firm’s finance and M&A practices to advise on HSR filings, domestic merger investigations, and complex multinational clearances. The team is led by Britt Miller in Chicago, with William Stallings and Gail Levine leading the Washington DC practice. Stallings draws on DOJ experience across transportation, energy and agriculture matters, while Levine brings FTC experience to support high-tech clients.