Practical Guide to Navigating the World of High Stakes Federal Antitrust Enforcement

Practical Guide to Navigating the World of High Stakes Federal Antitrust Enforcement

7.9.2026

By Jennifer Andrus

The New York State Bar Association is hosting a program on July 23 that will go behind the scenes in the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.

The one-hour program will focus on how federal prosecutors prepare for grand jury proceedings in criminal antitrust cases. Three former federal prosecutors, who left the Department of Justice in 2025 and 2026, will share the mechanics of a grand jury investigation including strategies in dealing with corporations and individuals who are under investigation by the government.

The three panelists represent different areas of antitrust work at the department:

• Ryan Danks, former director of civil enforcement.
• Sean Farrell, former chief, Antitrust Division New York.
• Ryan Tansey, former chief, Antitrust Division DC Criminal Section.

They will address key practice issues including how to counsel clients at the outset of an investigation, how to prepare witnesses and how to deal with Fifth Amendment protections. They will also explain how the Department of Justice’s Corporate Leniency Program works and how cooperating with the government is a strategy to consider.  Whether representing targets, subjects, or witnesses, this program offers practical guidance for navigating one of the most high-stakes arenas in antitrust enforcement.

NYSBA Antitrust Section Chair Will Reiss said programs like this are intended to attract young lawyers and seasoned lawyers alike who can learn more about antitrust work.

“We really want to encourage our younger members to take advantage of the opportunities we are offering by having them take the initiative on developing and becoming involved with our programming,” he said. “We have several committees such as our class action, cartel and criminal practice committees that provide a gateway for younger attorneys to get involved.”

The program will be moderated by Becca Ryan of Kressin Powers in Washington, D.C. It is sponsored by the Cartel and Criminal Practice Committee of the association’s Antitrust Section. It will be held virtually from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on July 23. The event is no charge for NYSBA members, but attendees must register.