Practice

Antitrust and Competition

Trusted Advisors in High-Stakes Competition Matters

Sheppard delivers practical advocacy in complex antitrust and competition matters worldwide, from cartel investigations to antitrust litigation to merger reviews.

With former DOJ, FTC and DG Comp officials, global reach and proven trial success, we deliver strategic antitrust solutions for complex matters.

Guiding Businesses Through Antitrust Risks and Regulatory Change 

Drawing on decades of experience in litigation, investigations and merger review, we advise clients facing enforcement from U.S. and international agencies, defend them in civil and criminal proceedings and steer them through deals with confidence.

Recognized by Legal 500 US in 2025 as a top practice for antitrust, with standout strengths in cartel matters, civil litigation and class action defense and merger control, we are known for offering clear and pragmatic advice.

We help companies and executives contain business risk by anticipating government tactics, moving quickly to identify early resolution opportunities and advancing business priorities. When litigation is necessary, our team’s record of court victories sets us apart.

Our lawyers guide mergers and acquisitions through DOJ and FTC reviews, manage Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) filings and coordinate multi-jurisdictional matters for leading clients in technology, healthcare, life sciences, energy, financial services, aerospace and defense, media and consumer products. We play central roles in groundbreaking cases involving big tech, digital platforms, AI, data-driven pricing and healthcare antitrust challenges.

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Areas of Focus

Antitrust Counseling and Compliance
Sheppard helps clients prevent antitrust issues before they arise. We design and implement tailored compliance programs, conduct training and advise on everyday antitrust matters including pricing, distribution, hiring, information sharing and trade associations. Our practical counsel reduces risk, ensures compliance and equips clients to compete confidently in evolving markets. 
Big Tech/Antitrust
With ongoing scrutiny of big tech by federal and state agencies, our team is at the forefront of antitrust matters involving digital platforms, AI and data-driven markets. We advise technology companies, investors and users on investigations, litigation and compliance, helping clients navigate complex pricing, data use and platform issues with pragmatic, business-driven strategies that support innovation within regulatory boundaries. 
Consumer Protection
We advise on compliance and defend companies facing FTC, state attorneys general or private enforcement actions. Our experience covers advertising, marketing, privacy, data use and consumer finance. We provide clear guidance to minimize risk and, when necessary, vigorously defend clients against alleged unfair or deceptive practices. 
Criminal Antitrust and Cartel Investigations
Sheppard’s criminal antitrust and cartel team defends companies and executives in high-stakes investigations and prosecutions, leveraging deep agency and industry experience to guide clients through dawn raids, criminal charges, global investigations and follow-on civil litigation—efficiently, pragmatically and with clear, strategic advice focused on protecting your interests. 
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EU Competition and Regulatory
Our EU competition and regulatory team offers guidance through Europe’s most intricate competition, State aid and regulatory matters. We anticipate enforcement actions, secure regulatory clearances and ensure ongoing compliance. Our practical, strategic solutions reduce risk, unlock opportunities and protect client interests across rapidly evolving EU and UK markets. 
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EU State Aid
With an international presence, Sheppard advises on EU State aid rules, investigations and compliance. We represent clients before the European Commission and national authorities, guiding companies through detailed regulatory frameworks governing subsidies, incentives and restructuring. Our leading State aid team delivers strategic counsel to secure approvals, manage investigations and protect interests across Europe. 
Government Merger and Civil Conduct Investigations
Drawing on experience as former enforcement officials, our team expertly guides companies, boards and investors through complex merger reviews and civil investigations. We prioritize practical, business-focused strategies to secure agency approvals, manage regulatory hurdles and resolve scrutiny efficiently—delivering clarity, credibility and actionable solutions at every stage. 
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Merger Clearance
We guide clients through merger reviews before the DOJ, FTC and international regulators. Our team manages filings, coordinates multi-jurisdictional strategies and handles second requests efficiently. Working seamlessly with our corporate practice, our experience helps clients secure timely approvals, anticipate competitive concerns and close deals on schedule with minimal risk, delay or unnecessary cost. 
Private Civil Antitrust Litigation
Sheppard’s Antitrust team leads in private civil antitrust litigation, defending Fortune 100 and other businesses in complex disputes. The team achieves early dismissals or favorable settlements using strategic, cost-effective approaches. With trial-tested experience and deep regulatory insight, our lawyers protect clients across industries in federal multidistrict class actions and international cartel matters.
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Standard-Essential Patents/FRAND
Our lawyers represent both patent owners and implementers in SEP and FRAND disputes. We have litigated landmark SEP cases in U.S. courts and advised clients before global agencies. By integrating IP and antitrust expertise, we help protect innovation, enforce rights and resolve SEP/FRAND matters efficiently.

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