Former Canadian Competition Commissioner Melanie Altken has rejoined law firm Bennett Jones LLP to set up a Washington office for the Toronto-based firm.
Reporter William McConnell writes, "in an interview, Aitken said the increasing prevalence of cross-border deals makes this the right time for her firm to set up an office in Washington. 'I've long believed that there is a real opportunity for a Canadian firm to have a presence in Washington, particularly in the antitrust area. This is a terrific opportunity and I'm glad we're going to be first,' she said."
The
Competition Act and competition law, sometimes called antitrust law, is designed to prevent anti-competitive practices in the marketplace by promoting the efficiency and adaptability of the Canadian economy, expending opportunities for Canadian participation in world markets while also recognizing the role of foreign competition in Canada, ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises have equitable opportunity to participate in the Canadian economy, and by providing consumers with competitive prices and product choices.
Altken was named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women in 2012, as well as one of Canada's most influential lawyers in 2011 and 2012 by the Women's Executive Network. She's been recognized as a leading competition/antitrust lawyer by various other organizations as well. She was a partner at Bennett Jones before joining the Competition Bureau in 2005. While there, she played a role in crafting important amendments to Canada's competition law.
"She put together a successful litigation record, enhanced relationships with government agencies in the U.S. and other countries and helped cooperation among enforcement authorities around the world with active participation in the International Competition Network and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
"She will manage the Washington office and serve as co-chairwoman of the Bennett Jones' Antitrust and Competition practice, advising Canadian and foreign clients on issues arising for those carrying on business or investing in Canada."
She is a 1991 graduate of the University of Toronto Law School.
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Original source: The Deal