U.S. legal powerhouse King & Spalding recently announced a strategic move to bolster its antitrust and consumer protection practice by welcoming Sean Royall, a former official from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), into its ranks. Royall, who previously co-led the antitrust and consumer protection practice at Sidley Austin, is set to take on the pivotal role of global leader for King & Spalding’s antitrust and consumer protection endeavors. While primarily stationed in Washington, D.C., and Houston, Royall will also spend considerable time at the firm’s Brussels office.

Royall’s decision to transition to King & Spalding was not one he had been actively seeking, as he revealed his contentment at Sidley Austin, where he spent less than two years. He referred to the move as a choice to become a part of something exceedingly exhilarating. The move aligns with King & Spalding’s ambitious commitment to expand its antitrust capabilities, a vision Royall wholeheartedly supports.

This development comes in the wake of another significant shift in the legal arena, as Scott Sher, the leader of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati’s antitrust practice, joined Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison earlier this week. Such high-profile movements highlight the competitive nature of the legal industry, particularly within the antitrust sector.

See also: Former N.Y. Prosecutor Joins King & Spalding Amid Heightened Investigations Focus

Royall brings with him a wealth of experience, having been involved in prominent cases such as AT&T Inc’s $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner and the $48.5 billion purchase of satellite TV service provider DirecTV. His track record showcases his prowess in navigating complex mergers and acquisitions within the telecommunications realm.

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Royall’s expertise has evolved significantly with a career spanning several reputable firms. From serving as the deputy director of the FTC’s bureau of competition between 2001 and 2003, he subsequently spent 16 years as a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, followed by a two-year tenure at Kirkland & Ellis. He eventually found his way to Sidley Austin in February 2022, where he contributed his acumen to the antitrust landscape.

Royall’s familiarity with King & Spalding extends beyond his professional relationships. He shares connections with some of the firm’s members, including Randy Mastro, who made the transition to King & Spalding after an extensive tenure at Gibson Dunn.

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While Royall refrained from discussing his current client portfolio, he affirmed his anticipation that numerous client relationships would seamlessly transition to his new role at King & Spalding. His experience and the firm’s commitment to growth and innovation positions the team for substantial success in the evolving legal landscape.

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