2025 Golden State Institute

Location: Waterfront Room (Atrium Level)

Our expert panelists will present an overview of important federal and California developments in Antitrust and Consumer Protection Section law over the last year.  The discussion will touch on criminal, civil conduct, and mergers, including an assessment of the end of the Biden administration and the beginning of the Trump administration for antitrust enforcement.

Moderator: Lee Berger

Speakers:

• Manish Kumar
• Valarie Williams
• Todd Seaver

M&A parties report thousands of transactions to US antitrust authorities under the merger reporting rules each year, making the merger review process one of the principal intersection points between antitrust enforcers and the business community.  Come hear the inside perspective from our seasoned panel of antitrust practitioners on how regulators approach merger enforcement, how in-house counsel navigate merger reviews, and emerging trends in federal, state, and international merger enforcement.

Moderator: Josh Holian

Join us for an in-depth panel discussion on the Albertsons–Kroger merger trial, featuring insights from attorneys directly involved in the litigation. Panelists will explore the key legal and economic arguments, including market definition, labor and consumer impact, and the role of state and federal antitrust enforcement. The session will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies, stakes, and implications of one of the most closely watched merger trials in recent years.

Moderator: Jill Manning

Speakers:

• Bryn Williams
• Kuru Olasa
• Alexis Gilman

Moderator: Steve Vieux

Speaker: Patricia Guerrero

The California Law Revision Commission is studying whether the Cartwright Act should be reformed.  These efforts have focused on: (1) single firm conduct; (2) technology companies; and (3) mergers and acquisitions.  Our expert panel will summarize proposed reforms, and will update us on the Commission’s work to date.

Moderator: Dean Harvey

This panel will focus on the latest developments in antitrust litigation involving higher education, including financial aid, collegiate sports, and more. 

Moderator: Kyla Gibboney

AI’s future in law is yet to be written.  Yet lawyers using (and misusing) AI is happening now.  Our four scenarios, acted out by leading in-house counsel and outside antitrust lawyers, will involve key professional rules in settings raising and wrestling with ethical challenges.   

Moderators:

• Jeff Van Hooreweghe
• Kenneth O’Rourke

Speakers:

• Michael Tubach
• Catherine Simonsen
• Steve McIntyre
• Qianwei Fu
• Jill Manning
• Hannah Steinbach
• Gary Smith
• Paul Riehle

A moderated Q&A with judges from the federal judiciary who will discuss complex case management and best practices for antitrust, unfair competition and consumer protection litigation.

Moderator: Shira Liu

Speakers:

• Judge Laurel Beeler
• Judge Nathanael Cousins

Location: Atrium Lobby (Atrium Level)

Location: Grand Ballroom

The Antitrust and Consumer Protection Section of the California Lawyers Association is pleased to honor Thomas Naif Dahdouh as the 2025 Antitrust Lawyer of the Year.  He has dedicated his career to public enforcement of federal antitrust, consumer protection and privacy laws.  For 33 years at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), he has sought to protect the American public by pursuing fair competition, shaping policy, and mentoring the next generation.