Lauded as ‘strategic and client-focused’, the cartel group at Baker Botts L.L.P. is renowned for its expertise across industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and TMT. The team handles all aspects of cartel investigations, from dawn raids and leniency applications to plea negotiations and government subpoena responses, with expertise in follow-on class actions. Spearheading the team is John Taladay, who regularly represents clients in proceedings involving the FTC, DOJ Antitrust Division, and the European Commission, with a strong focus on cases involving price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation, and unfair trade practices. Erik Koons handles high-profile antitrust litigation, including cases related to tying, bundling, and monopolization. The San Francisco team was bolstered in February 2025 by the addition of Matthew Jacobs, formerly of DLA Piper LLP (US). All mentioned attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
The team provide very pragmatic and efficient advice on a variety of matters including antitrust counseling, transactions and litigation. They have international reach, and for countries where they do not have counsel/offices they have strong relationships and recommendations. Baker Botts' billing practices are transparent and efficient.'
‘Paul Cuomo is an excellent antitrust advisor for antitrust / competition transactions, counseling and litigation. He provides pragmatic advice at whatever level of detail is needed for the particular situation, and he is very responsive. He also has a strong team of partners and associates who he calls upon in a way that is efficient.’
‘Baker Botts' competition practice is strategic and client-focused. The team is comprised of great communicators and their e-discovery team is also best in class.’
‘John Taladay's breadth of experience, understanding of / relationships with key regulators is a critical part of his strengths as counsel.’
‘The Baker Botts antitrust team is a very deep and talented collection of antitrust lawyers and support professionals. They collaborate and build relationships across our organization to facilitate efficient and effective client service.’
‘The Baker Botts antitrust team understand and embrace that they are extensions of our internal teams and processes. They are not point-solutions, but instead constant resources to address our ongoing needs. Mark Botti, Anthony Swisher, Matt Adler and Jeff Oliver are all standouts.’
Key clients
- Akamai Technologies, Inc.
- Amazon.com, Inc.
- American Financial Services Association
- American Industrial Partners, LLC (AIP, LLC)
- Avenue5 Residential
- Broadcom Inc.
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Celanese Corporation
- CMC Materials, Inc.
- Enovis Corporation
Work highlights
- Representing EOG Resources, the second-largest producer of shale oil in the United States, in a class action lawsuit alleging that oil and gas producers conspired with OPEC to curb output of shale oil.
- Representing Formula One and its parent company, Liberty Media Corp., in ongoing U.S. government investigations concerning Andretti Formula Racing’s public conspiracy allegations regarding their application to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship.
- Defending two of the largest global generic drug companies, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, in ongoing proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut brought by the attorneys general of 48 states and U.S. territories, alleging that numerous of the largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturers conspired to inflate the prices of dozens of generic drugs putting at stake billions in damages.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
John Taladay
Other key lawyers
Erik Koons