Antitrust and Economic Policy and Analysis

Antitrust law is a fascinating way to become involved with public economic policy and analysis. I have always enjoyed the study of politics and economics and business history. In practicing antitrust, a lawyer is able to keep abreast of developments in economics and, in a small way, participate in the structuring of the future of the American economic system. I can see this participation in little ways every day, whether by working on distribution agreements or mergers, representing clients in antitrust litigation, or assisting in developing strategic responses to fundamental changes in an industry.

Antitrust analysis can be applied to any industry, so antitrust lawyers need not focus on just one industry. For example, insights that I glean from my work in past industry restructurings, such as natural gas, airlines, trucking , or cable television, are hugely useful in analyzing and advising on industry restructuring in other areas, such as life sciences and energy. Further, the knowledge of and facility with economic analysis that is a basic requirement for an effective antitrust lawyer is of immense utility in working with industries with complex and rapidly evolving economic structures, including life sciences/healthcare and energy at present.

Antitrust is also an area of the law that is always changing. The approach and base of knowledge of antitrust lawyers today is quite different from the analysis, economics, and approach used by antitrust lawyers in 1980.

It is a fascinating way to stay involved with the immense changes that take place in American business.