America's Leading Business Lawyers 2003-2004: Antitrust

Chambers & Partners has compiled their independent and objective list of America's Leading Business Lawyers based on comments gathered from thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers from Maine to Hawaii.   This  guide -- which is designed to reflect market opinion -- contains a view of the firms and attorneys who are considered leaders in their field.

 

In Chambers' 2003-2004 review of national legal talent in the area of "Antitrust," our Firm and our lawyers are listed among the best in the country.

 

Chambers' comments:

 

 

The Firm: Tenacity and ferocity are the hallmarks of this superb antitrust practice, best known for its "trial-readiness" and sophisticated merger analysis. Interviewees agreed that despite a generational shift and the recent departure to the FTC of Robbie Robertson, it is "still the starting point" for antitrust advice in Chicago.

The Lawyers: Tefft Smith is "a true expert in the field," who was highly recommended to researchers for antitrust litigation requiring aggressive defense. His split practice between Washington DC and Chicago reflects an increasing emphasis on M&A and joint venture counseling as well as advice in respect of EU and other international antitrust laws. He was lead counsel to Kraft on its defense of a nationwide cheese price-fixing case, and acted for Dean Foods in its recent merger with Suiza Foods. Described by opponents as "personable and down-to-earth," Andrew Langan is an antitrust litigator, noted for his adept management of complex disputes. He recently defended Abbott Laboratories in a brand name prescription drugs case, and has represented BP America in a class action relating to the company's trading of Alaska North Slope crude oil. James Mutchnik is fast forging a name in the area of criminal antitrust work, where he draws on his prior experience as a prosecutor at the antitrust division of the US Department of Justice.

The Clients: Clients include: Sara Lee; Dean Foods; 3M; International Truck & Engine; Health Care Service Corporation; Tetra Pak; Packaging Corporation of America; Cambridge Protection Industries; Bently Nevada; Dow Agro Science; Illinois Tool Works; Terra Industries; Chiquita Brands International; Bain Capital; Briggs & Stratton; Colgate-Palmolive; IPSCO and Morgan Stanley.