Linklaters hires former FTC director

Jeffrey Schmidt, the director of the Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) since 2005 and former partner at Pillsbury Madison & Sutro (now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP), will act for clients on significant merger control matter, price fixing investigations and civil litigation. He brings expertise in merger controls, antitrust environment and litigation, having overseen the FTC's investigation and prosecution of a number of prominent M&A transactions.

'With his experience as the FTC's most senior enforcement official and in private practice, he will bring a new dimension to our current antitrust capabilities,' said Linklaters New York senior partner Paul Wickes. 'Jeff's expertise and unique understanding of regulatory practice will be a tremendous asset to our clients.'

'Linklaters' international footprint offers an exciting challenge and opportunity given the importance of cross-border M&A and globalisation of antitrust enforcement,' added Schmidt.

The appointment is the latest addition to the firm's New York team, which has expanded steadily over the past five years and now includes 140 lawyers and 32 partners.<