Top law firms used to dealing with antitrust regulators on a lawyer-to-lawyer basis are now advising clients to consider enlisting lobbyists and political fixers to smooth the path toward getting deals approved. Lobbyists could convey the benefits of a deal that align with the administration’s policy objectives, instead of getting bogged down with the nuances of the Sherman Act, several antitrust lawyers said. That could mean emphasizing how a deal will keep jobs in the US or lower drug prices. David Cross, a partner in Goodwin’s Antitrust and Competition practice, said advising clients to enlist lobbyists can make sense under certain circumstances. “We know for example that the administration is focused on pricing in certain industries and certain sectors,” Cross said. “It likely would be in the interest of the client if you had a lobbyist who could reach the administration to be able to explain those benefits to the marketplace. It aligns with their policy objectives.”
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