#United States #Washington D.C. #Crowell & Moring #Antitrust Practice #DOJ FTC

Crowell & Moring Strengthens Antitrust Practice with New Additions

In a significant move to bolster its Antitrust and Competition Group, Crowell & Moring has welcomed two seasoned attorneys from notable government positions. Rebecca Valentine, a former partner at the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ), and Ryan Harsch, previously with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will bring their extensive expertise to the firm, further enhancing its capabilities in navigating a complex legal landscape.

Rebecca Valentine joins as a partner from the DOJ's Antitrust Division, where she played a crucial role in assessing major corporate mergers. Her work has primarily targeted the defense, industrials, and aerospace sectors, which positions her well to address clients' needs in these industries. Valentine’s tenure at the DOJ has equipped her with a wealth of first-hand experience regarding merger reviews, investigations, and the intricacies of antitrust frameworks.

Valentine expressed her enthusiasm for joining Crowell, emphasizing the firm’s strong commitment to advancing its antitrust practices. She remarked, “Given my sector experience, joining Crowell—a firm that is home to premier government contracts and antitrust practices—is a perfect fit.” With the rapidly evolving dynamics of antitrust scrutiny, she aims to help clients navigate the tricky waters of consolidation and collaboration.

On the other hand, Ryan Harsch will join as senior counsel in New York, bringing with him a robust background in antitrust enforcement from the FTC. Since joining the commission in 2015, Harsch has been integral in overseeing merger investigations and has a history of success in litigating merger challenges from initial investigations through appeals. His diverse expertise, focusing on industries ranging from healthcare to technology, positions him as a vital asset to Crowell’s clientele across various sectors.

Dan Sasse, chair of Crowell’s Antitrust and Competition Group, highlighted the significant advantage these additions present for the firm and its clients. “We're thrilled to bring more antitrust-focused government experience to Crowell, especially as companies now face a more complex merger review process,” he stated. The firm’s objective is to evolve and enhance its service offerings, ensuring clients receive unparalleled strategic insights into the ever-changing regulatory environment.

Addie Cliffe, co-chair of Crowell’s Government Contracts Group, also recognized the advantages of having both Valentine and Harsch on board. She noted, “Their sophisticated enforcement experience will be invaluable to government contractors navigating transactions under heightened antitrust scrutiny.” This coordinated effort is set to strengthen Crowell's advisory capabilities, helping clients manage risks and tackle challenging regulatory questions

As the antitrust landscape grows more intricate, the team at Crowell & Moring is preparing for additional growth within the Antitrust and Competition Group, signaling the firm’s commitment to maintaining its leadership position in the field.

With the increasing scrutiny on mergers and collaborations, the legal landscape continues to evolve, and firms like Crowell & Moring are on the forefront, equipped with the necessary expertise to guide clients through these complexities. Crowell, with its international reach and unwavering dedication to pro bono service, remains a key player in providing innovative legal solutions to an array of challenges faced by modern businesses.

In conclusion, the addition of Rebecca Valentine and Ryan Harsch not only fortifies Crowell & Moring’s antitrust practice but also underscores its commitment to delivering comprehensive legal support effectively and strategically. As companies seek to thrive in a landscape marked by rigorous regulatory reviews, the support of experienced legal advisors like those at Crowell will undoubtedly prove invaluable.