Bruce is a prominent antitrust attorney who is accomplished at the full range of antitrust matters: litigation and class actions, government merger reviews and investigations, and cartel-related issues. Although the health care, communications, and retail industries are a particular focus for Bruce, he represents companies in many other sectors. His client roster ranges from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies to nonprofit organizations. Bruce served as Managing Member of the firm’s Washington, DC office for 12 years and on the firm’s Executive Committee for 13 years.
"Bruce is an experienced and capable antitrust attorney, with a strong analytical ability."
Bruce is Chair of the Antitrust Section. He applies his extensive experience, understanding of clients' business, and judgment developed over decades in private practice to a broad range of antitrust matters, including government merger reviews and investigations and antitrust litigation.
In the antitrust area, Bruce’s practice includes antitrust counseling and representation in connection with federal and state governmental matters, including merger review, HSR second requests, and cartel matters, as well as private antitrust litigation, including class actions. He counsels and has represented Fortune 100 companies, not-for-profits, start-up entities, trade associations, and domestic and international joint ventures. Bruce has been involved in antitrust matters spanning a broad range of industries, but has particularly deep experience in the health care, communications, and retail industries. For example, Chambers USA attests that “he is one of those guys who understands the healthcare competition aspects very well.”
Bruce served as the Managing Member for the firm’s Washington, DC office from 1989 to 2001, and served on the firm’s Executive Committee from 1989 to 2002. He has been annually recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and Chambers USA for Antitrust: Washington, DC, and has received Client Service All-Star recognition from BTI Consulting Group as well as JD Supra Readers' Choice Award for Top Author in Antitrust & Trade Regulation.
During law school, he served as editor-in-chief of the Georgetown Law Journal. Following his graduation from Georgetown, Bruce served as law clerk to Judge Edward Allen Tamm of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Bruce is a prominent antitrust attorney who is accomplished at the full range of antitrust matters: litigation and class actions, government merger reviews and investigations, and cartel-related issues. Although the health care, communications, and retail industries are a particular focus for Bruce, he represents companies in many other sectors. His client roster ranges from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies to nonprofit organizations. Bruce served as Managing Member of the firm’s Washington, DC office for 12 years and on the firm’s Executive Committee for 13 years.
"Bruce is an experienced and capable antitrust attorney, with a strong analytical ability."
Experience
- Represent New York Stock Exchange Company a defendant major electronic component manufacturer in class action cartel antitrust litigation.
- Represented one of the nation’s leading Academic Medical Center and affiliated networks in antitrust matters including merger reviews and in parallel DOJ Antitrust Division and State Attorney General investigations.
- Represented one of the nation’s premier pharmacy chains in its $27 billion acquisition of a “big three” pharmacy benefits manager.
- Represented a market leading producer and distributor of environmentally-safe household products in its acquisition by another transnational consumer goods company.
- Represented a cable company in the first successful FTC clearance of the acquisition of an overbuilt cable system.
- Served as antitrust counsel for a hospital in its merger with another medical center.
- Represented major cable television providers and major programming networks in connection with a high-profile merger proceeding before the Department of Justice and state attorneys general.
- Served as lead counsel for an American telecom company in a purported nationwide antitrust class action. The suit alleged that the cable operator’s practice of leasing set-top boxes to customers who also purchase cable television services constitutes an illegal antitrust tie.
- Represented an American retail and pharmacy chain in an antitrust class action alleging unfair restriction for participation in a Rhode Island pharmacy network. We obtained summary judgment for the defendants, which was affirmed on appeal.
- Represented the regional council for a construction trade union in connection with a lawsuit brought by other trade unions alleging that provisions in the defendant’s collective bargaining agreements governing subcontracting of work within the defendant’s claimed trade jurisdiction result in an illegal restraint of trade in violation of the Sherman Act.
- Served as lead counsel for a major telecommunications carrier in multidistrict litigation involving 20 separate antitrust class action suits that were consolidated into a single MDL. The suits alleged that the cable industry’s practice of leasing set-top boxes to customers who also purchase cable television services constitutes an illegal tying arrangement under the antitrust laws.
- Represent one of the nation's most prestigious health care providers and hospital groups, since its creation over 20 years ago, to help it make smooth and efficient acquisitions and respond effectively to government investigations.
viewpoints
OMB Issues Additional Guidance to Federal Agencies on their Acquisition of AI — AI: The Washington Report
October 24, 2024 | Article | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about the new memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget on Advancing the Responsible Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
Led by DOJ, Federal Agencies Convene to Coordinate Safeguarding Civil Rights from AI-Related Harms — AI: The Washington Report
October 16, 2024 | Article | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Division convening of the heads of federal agency civil rights offices to discuss and promote coordination around preventing harms that may stem from AI, including unlawful discrimination in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
Federal Trade Commission Finalizes HSR Changes
October 11, 2024 | Alert | By Bruce Sokler, Robert Kidwell, Kristina Van Horn, Payton Thornton
The new HSR form, instructions, and implementing rules were announced yesterday and are set to take effect 90 days from publication in the Federal Register.
G7 Competition Authorities, Including DOJ and FTC, Release Joint Statement on AI Competition — AI: The Washington Report
October 11, 2024 | Article | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about G7 competition authorities’ Digital Competition Communique in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
FTC Launches Operation AI Comply with Five Enforcement Actions Involving AI Misuse – AI: The Washington Report
October 3, 2024 | Alert | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about the FTC’s launch of Operation AI Comply, the agency’s new law enforcement sweep focused on companies using AI to further deceptive or unfair conduct in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
Two Sides to Every Monopolization Suit: DOJ Sues Visa for Debit Monopolization
September 30, 2024 | Alert | By Bruce Sokler, Payton Thornton
On September 24, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division (“DOJ”) filed a monopolization suit against Visa, Inc. (“Visa”), alleging that Visa has a monopoly in general purpose debit network services and general purpose card-not-present debit network services that violates Section 2 of the Sherman Act.
FTC Staff Report Warns of Privacy Risks in Social Media Companies’ AI Practices — AI: The Washington Report
September 26, 2024 | Advisory | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about the FTC Staff Report on the data collection and data use practices of large social media and video streaming service platforms in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
Senators Urge FTC, DOJ to Investigate AI Models That Copy Third-Party Content — AI: The Washington Report
September 18, 2024 | Article | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about the Democratic Senators urging the heads of the FTC and DOJ’s Antitrust Division to investigate generative AI models that may violate competition laws in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
NIST Releases Updated Draft Guidance for Federal Agencies’ Use of AI in Identity Verification Systems — AI: The Washington Report
September 12, 2024 | Article | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about the second draft guidance released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
Senator Rounds (R-SD) Unveils Five AI Bills for Congress to Consider After August Recess — AI: The Washington Report
September 5, 2024 | Article | By Bruce Sokler, Alexander Hecht, Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, Matthew Tikhonovsky
Read about five AI bills Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced for Congress to consider when its members return on September 8 in the latest edition of AI: The Washington Report, a joint undertaking of Mintz and ML Strategies covering potential federal legislative, executive, and regulatory activities related to AI.
News & Press
Thirteen Mintz attorneys named to Lawdragon’s 2025 “Leading Litigators in America” list
September 12, 2024
Thirteen Mintz attorneys have been named to Lawdragon’s 2025 “Leading Litigators in America.” The list honors the “best litigators the US has to offer – in antitrust, intellectual property, white collar and investigations, securities and corporate governance litigation, and a vast array of class actions, product liability and other complex civil litigation,” according to the publication.
The Best Lawyers in America 2025 Recognizes 184 Mintz Attorneys across 56 Practice Areas
August 15, 2024
187 Mintz attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers® in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Notably, three Mintz attorneys received 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” awards, and 64 firm attorneys were included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
FTC Theories Of Harm After Anesthesia Co. Ruling
June 3, 2024
The Capitol Forum Interviews Mintz's Bruce Sokler
April 22, 2024
Senator's Hold on FTC Nominee Robs Agency of Political Diversity, Regulatory Attorneys Say
January 29, 2024
Antitrust Co-Chair Bruce Sokler shared his insights with the National Law Journal on Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak’s nominations to the Federal Trade Comission. Bruce acknowledged that both Ferguson and Holyoak have state-level experience, which could be a “useful perspective” on the commission.
Are the Google, Amazon Suits This Generation's Microsoft?
November 26, 2023
Antitrust Co-chair Bruce Sokler was quoted in a National Law Journal article discussing the US Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust cases against Google and Amazon, drawing parallels to the Microsoft case of 2001. Bruce noted that like the Microsoft case, the DOJ and FTC have each singled out a dominant entity in the market, Google and Amazon.
Antitrust Co-chair Bruce Sokler spoke to the National Law Journal on the influential role of the European Union in establishing regulatory standards across various domains, prompting US regulators to address issues such as artificial intelligence.
FTC-DOJ's Proposed Merger Guidelines Gain Health Care's Scorn, Agriculture's Praise
September 19, 2023
Antitrust Co-chair Bruce Sokler spoke to The National Law Journal on the closure of the comment period for the Federal Trade Commission and US Department of Justice’s proposed merger guidelines. Responses were received from several industry groups, including heath care.
Thirteen Mintz Members Named To Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators List
September 11, 2023
Mintz is pleased to announce that thirtneen Members have been named to Lawdragon's 500 Leading Litigators in America list, which honors the nation’s most elite courtroom advocates.
FTC, DOJ Guidelines Could Hinder Health Care Industry Mergers, Antitrust Lawyers Say
August 17, 2023
Antitrust Co-chairs, Bruce Sokler and Joseph Miller, were quoted in The National Law Journal in an article analyzing The Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Justice Department’s proposed merger guidelines.
FTC Pharma Merger Digest May Offer Policy Clues
June 15, 2023
Law360 published an article jointly authored by Antitrust Co-chairs, Bruce Sokler and Joseph Miller, alongside Member Robert Kidwell examining the FTC's summary of the June 2022 joint workshop with the Antitrust Division of the US Justice Department titled "The Future of Pharmaceuticals: Examining the Analysis of Pharmaceutical Mergers."
NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, D.C. – Mintz is pleased to announce that Therese Doherty, Stephen J. Gulotta, Jr., and Bruce Sokler, have been named by corporate counsel to BTI Consulting Group’s Client Service All-Stars 2023, an elite list of client service leaders among law firms nationwide.
WASHINGTON, DC – Mintz is pleased to announce the inclusion of five Members to the 2023 Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers list.
Twelve Mintz Members have been named to the inaugural Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America list, which honors the nation’s most elite courtroom advocates.
FTC Shift In Compulsory Process Lends Staff More Clout
September 12, 2022
Poultry Sector Wage-Fixing Case Shows Info Exchange Risks
August 31, 2022
Five Mintz Attorneys Recognized as Client Service All-Stars by BTI
February 08, 2022
Biden Enforcers Fail to Stem Rising Merger Tide
October 22, 2021
Mintz Recognized by Chambers USA 2019
April 26, 2019
Antitrust Case against BCBS to Continue under Per Se Standard
February 1, 2019
Chambers USA 2018 Ranks Mintz Attorneys & Practices
May 03, 2018
Mintz Honored by JD Supra's 2018 Reader's Choice Awards
March 19, 2018
Antitrust World Eyes Justices On AmEx Steering Case
February 23, 2018
Hospital Consolidation
December 4, 2017
What’s at Stake in the AmEx Merchant Rules Case?
October 16, 2017
Physician Practice Acquisitions And Antitrust Scrutiny
September 19, 2017
DOJ About-Face In High Court AmEx Case Has Attys Puzzled
August 9, 2017
Chambers USA 2017 Ranks Mintz Attorneys & Practices
May 26, 2017
Discord Between Ballad Health and the FTC
April 23, 2017
Mintz Named Top Firm in Energy and Eleven Attorneys Featured in JD Supra’s 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards
March 20, 2017
Emboldened, the FTC Seems Ready to Fight More Mergers
November 21, 2016
Chicago Hospital Case Could Hinge on Efficiency Argument
November 3, 2016
Mintz Represents Seventh Generation, Inc. in Sale to Unilever
October 27, 2016
FTC wins appeal to halt Penn State Hershey/PinnacleHealth merger
September 28, 2016
DOJ Loss In AmEx Case Could Imperil Hospital Steering Suit
September 27, 2016
Hospital Merger Stalls After FTC Court Win
September 27, 2016
Six Mintz Members to Speak at 2016 IBA Annual Conference
September 12, 2016
What Have Merchants Gained From Payment Card Litigation?
August 10, 2016
5 Questions To Watch As DOJ Targets Carolinas HealthCare
June 13, 2016
5 Ways to Ease the Pain of an Antitrust Review
May 23, 2016
Rodeo Associations Fail to Rein in Each Other in Round 1
February 9, 2016
Mintz’s Wins Significant Antitrust Case for C-SPAN
June 10, 2013
Mintz Advises on Top Greentech Deal of 2012
January 08, 2013
Events & Speaking
Antitrust in Healthcare
American Bar Association and American Health Lawyers Association
The Ritz-Carlton Arlington, VA
Bruce is a prominent antitrust attorney who is accomplished at the full range of antitrust matters: litigation and class actions, government merger reviews and investigations, and cartel-related issues. Although the health care, communications, and retail industries are a particular focus for Bruce, he represents companies in many other sectors. His client roster ranges from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies to nonprofit organizations. Bruce served as Managing Member of the firm’s Washington, DC office for 12 years and on the firm’s Executive Committee for 13 years.
"Bruce is an experienced and capable antitrust attorney, with a strong analytical ability."
Recognition & Awards
BTI Consulting Group: Client Service All-Star (2022 – 2023)
Chambers USA: District of Columbia – Antitrust (2012 – 2022)
JD Supra Readers' Choice Awards: Top Author in Antitrust & Trade Regulation (2020, 2022)
Best Lawyers in America: Antitrust Law (2012 – 2025)
Washington DC Super Lawyers: Antitrust Litigation (2012 – 2024)
Lawdragon: "500 Leading Litigators in America" (2022-2025)
Nightingale’s Healthcare News: Outstanding Healthcare Antitrust Lawyer (2007 – 2009)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
Bruce is a prominent antitrust attorney who is accomplished at the full range of antitrust matters: litigation and class actions, government merger reviews and investigations, and cartel-related issues. Although the health care, communications, and retail industries are a particular focus for Bruce, he represents companies in many other sectors. His client roster ranges from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies to nonprofit organizations. Bruce served as Managing Member of the firm’s Washington, DC office for 12 years and on the firm’s Executive Committee for 13 years.
"Bruce is an experienced and capable antitrust attorney, with a strong analytical ability."
Involvement
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
- Member, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Member, National Health Lawyers Association
Recent Insights
OMB Issues Additional Guidance to Federal Agencies on their Acquisition of AI — AI: The Washington Report
October 24, 2024| Article|
