Global law firm White & Case LLP has expanded its market-leading Global Antitrust Practice with the addition of Rahul Rao as a partner in Washington, DC.
Rao brings extensive experience in antitrust investigations and litigation, having most recently served as a Deputy Director at the United States Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Competition. In this senior role, he oversaw the FTC's investigatory and litigation strategy across several enforcement divisions, including those focused on healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, retail, consumer goods, labor and private equity.
"The already complex environment for competition enforcement is rapidly changing in the US right now," said Rebecca Farrington, who leads White & Case's Global Antitrust Practice along with J. Mark Gidley. "Rahul brings exceptional knowledge of the FTC's policies and practices, having had a leading role in many of its most high-profile conduct investigations, litigation matters, merger reviews and policy decisions in recent years. He will be a vital asset to our clients."
During his tenure at the FTC, Rahul led teams responsible for several high-profile merger challenges, including matters involving vertical foreclosure, portfolio leveraging and private equity acquisitions. He also played a leadership role in conduct investigations into competition issues in the pharmaceutical distribution system, rebating practices and restrictions on independent repair. In addition, he was a key contributor to major FTC policy initiatives, including the 2023 Merger Guidelines, revisions to the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) notification rules and Section 5 enforcement policy.
"White & Case has a globally recognized, market-leading Antitrust Practice," said Eric Leicht, a member of the Firm's Executive Committee. "Rahul's arrival builds on the Practice's investments in key jurisdictions globally over the past year, with the arrival of partners Sabrina Borocci in Milan and Ingo Brinker in Düsseldorf. His addition also complements the Firm's market-leading M&A and Disputes practices, as competition remains a key element in the high-stakes deals, litigation and investigations for the global companies that we advise."
Prior to his time at the FTC, Rao served as Managing Assistant Attorney General in the Antitrust Division of the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, where he helped establish it as a leading state antitrust enforcer. He led enforcement actions involving no-poach agreements, price-fixing and monopolization claims.
White & Case's Global Antitrust Practice has achieved a leading reputation for routinely advising on first-to-market and award-winning matters. The team is consistently highly ranked according to the most recent editions of The Legal 500 USA and Chambers Global 2024.
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