Crowell & Moring's Wm. Randolph Smith Named American Lawyer's 'Dealmaker of the Week'

Washington, D.C. – August 19, 2015: Crowell & Moring LLP is pleased to announce that Wm. Randolph Smith, a Washington, D.C.-based partner and chair of the firm's Antitrust Group, was named as one of two "Dealmakers of the Week" by The American Lawyer in the July 27 issue. Smith was recognized for his representation of AT&T in securing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and antitrust approval for AT&T's $48.6 billion cash and stock acquisition of satellite television operator DIRECTV. The deal closed on July 24 following approval by the FCC.

Smith led the team that also included firm Antitrust Group partners Jeane Thomas and Ryan Tisch. AT&T tapped them to head off potential challenges from the Justice Department. According to the article, Smith said that what gave his client an edge was their upfront investment "in a 'groundbreaking economic analysis' that allowed the company and its representatives to 'explain to regulators why this deal would be so positive for consumers.'"

Smith also told the American Lawyer that he had a "feeling of pride [in bringing] the transaction to conclusion, a sentiment he added that will be particularly poignant when he starts to see the benefits in the real world."

Smith's practice involves the full range of antitrust advice associated with mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, trade associations, cartel enforcement, the Robinson-Patman Act, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and the interaction of the antitrust laws and intellectual property. In addition, based on his experience in the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the FTC, he advises on advertising, and other consumer law issues, in conjunction with the firm's APRM practice.

Arnold & Porter LLP's Richard Rosen served as co-counsel was named co-recipient of the magazine's recognition for handling AT&T's FCC-related matters.

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with more than 500 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, Anchorage, London, and Brussels.

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Kathy O'Brien
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