Our Curious Amalgam

Lesley Fair, a consumer protection law legend and former Senior Attorney at the FTC, discusses her impressive 37-year career dedicated to simplifying complex legal concepts. She highlights the evolving challenges of consumer protection, especially in the digital age, and emphasizes the importance of public education. Fair also shares insights on the Janet Steiger Fellowship to inspire the next generation of lawyers. Plus, she offers personal anecdotes and valuable advice for emerging professionals while engaging in fun movie recommendations.

Nisha Kaur Uberoi, a partner and competition law chair at JSA law firm, shares her expertise on recent changes to India's merger control regime. She discusses the new deal value threshold and the shift to a material influence test for control, reshaping how mergers are assessed. The conversation highlights the implications for transactions and the challenges that lie ahead, including the revised green channel for approvals and added mapping requirements for affiliations. Nisha's insights provide a crucial understanding of how these developments will affect businesses operating in India.

Daniel J. Rosenthal, Special Counsel at Milbank LLP, dives into the recent changes to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act's premerger notification rules. He discusses the new requirements for merging parties and the timeline for compliance. The conversation sheds light on the implications for legal teams and the need for transparency in transactions. Amidst the serious topics, Rosenthal shares humorous personal anecdotes, lightening the mood while still providing essential insights into regulatory complexities.

Fiona Schaeffer, a partner at Milbank LLP with over 25 years in antitrust law, discusses how competition law can address pressing issues like climate change and AI. She shares insights about the ABA’s initiatives, emphasizing balanced regulations that encourage innovation while protecting consumers. Fiona reflects on the importance of updating guidelines for sustainability, the need for collaboration among stakeholders, and even takes a moment to enjoy the light-hearted connection between pet ownership and the complexities of life.

Nicole Kar, a partner specializing in EU antitrust law at Paul, Weiss, joins to unravel the European Court of Justice's ruling on the Illumina-GRAIL merger. They discuss the Commission's failed attempt to assert jurisdiction under Article 22 and its implications for future merger reviews. Kar highlights the uncertainty for companies regarding 'killer acquisitions' and the challenges created by revised regulations. The conversation also touches on legal certainty's importance in maintaining Europe's competitiveness, wrapped up with a humorous legal anecdote.

Luis Blanquez, a partner at Bona Law P.C. specializing in antitrust law, joins the discussion on Big Tech's challenges with AI investments amidst tightening regulations. The conversation dives into the implications of recent scrutiny on mergers and licensing deals, exploring how this might protect smaller rivals or stifle innovation. Blanquez also reflects on the shifting funding landscape for AI startups, noting the allure of big tech partnerships over traditional venture capital. Personal anecdotes add a humorous touch, showcasing his passion for competition, both in law and basketball.

The European Commission's draft guidelines on exclusionary abuses of dominance will, once adopted, be a key document when applying EU competition law. But what is in the draft? Rona Bar-Isaac, head of competition at Addleshaw Goddard in London, joins Matthew Hall and Derek Jackson to discuss the draft guidelines and a controversial European Court of Justice judgment which was released soon after the publication of the guidelines. Listen to this episode to learn more about the components of the draft, including the Commission's two-stage approach for analysing potential exclusionary abuses of dominance and the available defences, as well as the implications for the guidelines of the Google Shopping ECJ judgment that deals with self-preferencing as an abuse. With special guest: Rona Bar-Isaac, partner, Addleshaw Goddard LLP Related Links: European Commission press release 1 August 2024 consultation on draft antitrust guidelines on exclusionary abuses European Commission consultation webpage including draft guidelines European Court of Justice press release 10 September 2024 Google Shopping judgment European Court of Justice 10 September 2024 Google Shopping judgment Addleshaw Goddard 8 August 2024 briefing on draft antitrust guidelines on exclusionary abuses Hosted by: Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP and Derek Jackson, Cohen & Gresser LLP

Can a Big Law antitrust practitioner have a successful career as a solo or small firm lawyer? In this episode, antitrust trial lawyer Sean Gates and co-hosts Alicia Downey and Matt Reynolds talk about their experiences leaving large firms to strike out on their own in the middle of their careers. Listen to this episode to learn what motivated them to "go small," and why antitrust law offers unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards to those looking for an alternative to Big Law practice. With special guest: Sean Gates, Partner, Illovsky Gates & Calia LLP Hosted by: Alicia Downey, Downey Law LLC and Matthew Reynolds, Huth Reynolds LLP

What were the cases and controversies that defined a decades-long career as an antitrust lawyer and scholar? Hosts Alicia Downey and Subrata Bhattacharjee welcome former Antitrust Law Section Chair Jon Jacobson back to the podcast to talk about his newly-published memoir of the highs and lows of litigating some of the biggest antitrust cases in U.S. legal history. Listen to this episode to learn how trial lawyers like Jon have helped to shape U.S. competition law and public policy. With special guest: Jonathan Jacobson, Partner (retired), Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Related Links: Jonathan Jacobson, My Life in Antitrust (2024) "Rock Can't Get No Satisfaction? Antitrust and Rock 'n' Roll, Our Curious Amalgam, Episode #1 (Aug. 12, 2019) Bayou Bottling, Inc. v. Dr. Pepper Co., 725 F.2d 300 (5th Cir. 1984) Sewell Plastics, Inc. v. The Coca-Cola Co., 720 F. Supp. 1196 (W.D.N.C 1989) Hosted by: Alicia Downey, Downey Law LLC and Subrata Bhattacharjee, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Antitrust and competition lawyers have a choice of career paths, including private practice, in-house, and public sector. What about the increasingly-important area of litigation finance? Aviva Will, Co-Chief Operating Officer of Burford Capital, joins Alicia Downey and Matthew Hall to discuss her career journey from a law firm to a senior executive role at a publicly traded, global litigation finance company. Listen to this episode to learn more about Aviva's current role, the evolution of the litigation finance industry in the U.S. and elsewhere, and The Equity Project--a groundbreaking initiative designed to help increase diversity in law. With special guest: Aviva Will, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Burford Capital LLC Related Links: Burford Capital, The Equity Project Association of Litigation Funders (England and Wales) American Legal Finance Association (U.S.) International Legal Finance Association Hosted by: Alicia Downey, Downey Law LLC and Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP