Christopher Yates
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP
Client SatisfactionLatham & Watkins LLP 's ‘top notch antitrust and civil litigation attorneys’ deploy their antitrust expertise across a range of matters, with particular skill in handling cases concerning algorithmic price fixing and the sports sector. The practice is set up to represent clients facing actions in the US and abroad, working with its teams in Brussels and further afield to assist with investigations and litigation arising thereof. The practice is led in tandem by Washington DC’s Amanda Reeves, who assists clients hailing from a range of industries when facing monopolization claims, while Belinda Lee represents clients facing unfair competition claims and consumer class actions out of the San Francisco office. Christopher Yates, also based in San Francisco, defends clients in the face of aftermarket monopolization claims and antitrust matters in the sport and entertainment industries, with Washington DC-based Jennifer Giordano handles class actions linked to both monopolies and monopsonies, price fixing and tying allegations. Al Pfeiffer is counsel of choice for a number of Fortune 500 companies in dominant firm conduct proceedings, with Aaron Chiu advising clients in the digital and sports fields on antitrust matters; both are based in San Francisco. Made partner in January 2023, Anna Rathbun in Washington DC handles DOJ and FTC investigations, as well as cases before other foreign regulators.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Experience is what makes this practice good, humility is what makes it great. I am consistently impressed by the ability of counsel to listen to others, assess options, and advise me of the best choice. There are no egos and my team at Latham are the epitome of team players, which makes them better and me better. ’
‘Chris Yates, Anna Rathbun and Aaron Chiu are my team and they are absolutely spectacular on every level. Knowledgeable, tough, and hardworking are just three of the traits I attribute to all three.’
‘Uniqueness is derived from extensive experience in antitrust law, specifically related to sports organizations and leagues. We had total comfort that the team understood complex issues across decades of important and precedent-setting cases.’
‘Everyone in antitrust practice works hard, but the most important element for us was the ability to identify cognate circumstances that yielded a result that bolstered our position. This is more than mere research; instead, it is understanding how sometimes obscure and little-known decisions can impact strategy in a case in the United States.’
‘They have a full suite of attorneys with incredible experience working inside the government and handling tough cases. They understand that the case is not only about winning in the courtroom but establishing the overarching strategy from the outset and understanding, in cases involving the government, where the regulatory agencies are likely to overplay their hand. They are tough and tenacious when they have to be, and always looking out for the interest of the client. ’
‘The responses from the lawyers of Latham & Watkins were almost always fast. The qualities of their advice and recommendations were excellent. Thanks to their support, we could obtain good results in the litigation.’
‘The advice and other services are very supportive and practical for a client.’
'Top notch antitrust and civil litigation attorneys. Among the highest echelon of firms, they stand out for their practical, business-focused approach to litigation. They can scale up or down depending on the client's needs.'
Key clients
- World Aquatics
- Hollywood Foreign Press Association
- GRAIL, Inc.
- Apple Pay
- RealPage/AvalonBay Communities
- Cendyn
- Surescripts, LLC
- Cox Communications
- StarKist Co
- Sumida Corporation
- Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
- Avadel Pharmaceuticals
- Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.
- North American Concert Promoters Association
- Oracle
- Atlantic Coast Conference
- American Red Cross
- United States Soccer Federation, Inc.
- Multiplan
- Avalon Bay
- Equity LifeStyles
Work highlights
- Represented World Aquatics, the international federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the governing body for Olympic and international aquatic sports, in two antitrust lawsuits.
- Represented Hollywood Foreign Press Association before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in an action brought by two overseas entertainment news reporters who were seeking access to American actors for interviews.
- Advised Illumina on the global merger clearance strategy for Illumina’s US$8bn purchase of GRAIL.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Amanda Reeves, Belinda Lee