Antitrust Lawyers
In an increasingly interconnected business world, the boundaries of competition have blurred, and the risk of anti-competitive practices has grown. Understanding the legal landscape of antitrust laws has become more critical than ever for those who’ve been harmed by businesses engaging in illegal practices. At Paul LLP Trial Attorneys, we have a proven track record in complex commercial litigation and the skill to guide you through the maze of antitrust issues. If you are facing an antitrust concern, don’t try to fight this complicated legal battle alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
What Is Antitrust?
Antitrust laws serve to regulate how corporations conduct and organize themselves. These laws generally promote fair competition for the benefit of consumers. Originating from the “trusts” that formed large monopolies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, antitrust laws are primarily concerned with preventing the abuse of market power that principally occurs through monopolization or collusion between firms. In the United States, the main antitrust statutes are the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, and the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914.
The principal goal of antitrust law is to maintain and promote competition and competitive markets. This aim derives from the belief that competitive markets can yield lower prices, improved quality, and greater choice for consumers. Antitrust laws accomplish this task by:
- Preventing practices that restrict trade or competition
- Prohibiting agreements or conspiracies that restrain trade
- Banning abusive behavior by a firm that is dominating a market
- Restricting anti-competitive practices that tend to lead to such a dominant position
What Do Antitrust Lawyers Do?
Antitrust lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring the fairness of markets by enforcing antitrust laws. They represent clients in matters related to anti-competitive behavior, market allocation, price fixing, and monopolies. They also advise corporate clients on compliance with antitrust laws and regulations to avoid penalties and other legal consequences.
The experienced antitrust lawyers at Paul LLP Trial Attorneys lead multi-faceted, nationwide teams in complex commercial litigations. Our attorneys work with clients across industries, protecting their interests and working to ensure fair competition. We guide our clients through their complex antitrust litigation from the instigation of their case through to its conclusion, especially if that means going to trial.
What Types of Cases Are Subject to Antitrust?
A wide range of cases can come under the purview of antitrust law. These include:
- Merger and Acquisition Cases –When one company acquires or merges with another, the resulting entity can potentially lead to a significant reduction in competition. Antitrust laws scrutinize these transactions to ensure they do not lead to a monopoly or unfair market advantage.
- Price Fixing Cases –When companies collude to set prices rather than allowing market forces to determine them, they are in violation of antitrust laws.
- Market Allocation Cases –Market allocation infringements involve competitors agreeing to divide markets by geography, type of customer, or product to avoid competition.
- Monopolization Cases –These cases involve actions by a company to establish or maintain a monopoly in a market, such as predatory pricing or tying arrangements.
At Paul LLP Trial Attorneys, we have experience in all these areas and more. Whether you are a business executive with concerns about potential antitrust violations, or an individual who believes they’ve suffered harm due to anti-competitive behavior, we are here to help.
Current Litigations
The attorneys at Paul LLP Trial Attorneys are currently involved in several critical antitrust cases that reflect our commitment to protecting the rights of individuals and businesses from major corporations and their anti-competitive conduct.
JBS, Tyson, and Cargill
In addition, we are representing cattle farmers in a case against JBS, Tyson, and Cargill. These meat-packing companies face accusations of conspiring to keep cattle prices artificially low, thereby decreasing the prices paid to farmers. JBS has already agreed to pay $25 million in a settlement to commercial beef purchasers, but the litigation continues, particularly against Cargill and Tyson. As part of our commitment to defending farmers’ rights and ensuring fair market practices, we will continue to pursue this case diligently.
Each of these litigations underscores our commitment to challenging anti-competitive practices and fighting for the rights of those who have suffered harm as a result. We are proud to stand with employees, farmers, and other individuals who have suffered due to such conduct, and we will continue to pursue justice on their behalf.
Jiffy Lube
We are representing employees in a case against Jiffy Lube. The car maintenance company allegedly limited employees’ ability to be hired by another Jiffy Lube location. A former employee, Oscar Jimenez, led the charge after a previous $2 million class action settlement failed to cover some employees. This ongoing lawsuit demonstrates our firm’s resolve to persist in the face of corporate power.
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
We are also currently prosecuting claims against Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. The company faces four lawsuits accusing it of suppressing wages and violating federal antitrust law with its no-poaching rule for tax preparers. This rule restricts each franchise operator from hiring or soliciting employees from another Jackson Hewitt office, a practice our suits call “a naked restraint of competition and a per se violation of the antitrust laws.” These suits seek a declaration that Jackson Hewitt’s no-poaching rule violates the Sherman Act. They further aim to establish a court-approved notice program to reach class members at Jackson Hewitt’s expense. Our firm is passionate about ensuring fair employment opportunities and compensation for all workers.
Varsity Brands, LLC
Paul LLP Trial Attorneys is representing individuals nationwide that have indirectly paid Varsity Brands, LLC and/or any subsidiary or affiliate of Varsity for cheer competition attendance, participation, apparel, an/or any other fee associated with the brand.
Why Choose Paul LLP Trial Attorneys?
When it comes to seeking representation for your antitrust case, there are many law firms to choose from. However, not all firms are created equal, and the team at Paul LLP Trial Attorneys stands out for several key reasons.
First, our firm strongly focuses on complex commercial and consumer contingent-fee litigations, with a substantial portion of our practice dedicated to prosecuting collective, mass, and class actions. This focus on antitrust and related cases means we have a deep understanding of the nuances of these types of lawsuits. As such, we can bring that knowledge and skill to bear in your case.
Second, our team is led by nationally-recognized attorneys with impressive records. Rick Paul and Ashlea Schwarz are not only experienced litigators with integrity but also hardworking lawyers who are committed to consistently prioritizing their clients’ needs. They have litigated against some of the nation’s most powerful companies and have achieved some of the largest settlements ever made in the United States. The strength and dedication of our leadership set the tone for the entire team. That means that each and every case we take on is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.
In addition, our firm has an exemplary track record of success. Our ability to secure significant settlements and verdicts for our clients in the past demonstrates our ability to effectively advocate for our clients in court. Whether standing up to major corporations in antitrust cases or advocating for consumers in mass tort lawsuits, we have proven our ability to succeed despite powerful opposition.
At Paul LLP Trial Attorneys, we believe in putting our clients first. We understand that litigation can be a challenging and stressful process. We are committed to providing not just excellent legal representation but also unparalleled, attentive client service. From our first meeting to the final resolution of your case, we are there to answer your questions, provide updates, and help you understand the legal process.
Moreover, we work on a contingent-fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win your case. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours and motivates us to pursue your best possible outcome. It also means you can access high-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses.
Finally, we are proud to be a firm that other lawyers trust. Our colleagues in the legal community rely on us because of our work ethic, skills, and knowledge to lead complex commercial litigations. They trust us to develop a case from conception so that it can lead to a successful conclusion, and you can trust us to do the same for you.
Contact Paul LLP Trial Attorneys Today
Choosing the right law firm for your case is a significant decision. At Paul LLP Trial Attorneys, we offer legal knowledge and a track record of success as well as a commitment to client service and a dedication to doing what is right. If you are looking for a firm that will fight for you, stand up to powerful corporations, and work tirelessly to achieve justice, look no further than Paul LLP Trial Attorneys.
Whether you have suffered harm due to a company’s unethical efforts to suppress your mobility, fix market prices, or monopolize an industry, you can trust the experienced team at Paul LLP Trial Attorneys to fight for your rights and interests. Furthermore, if you have concerns about your own organization’s compliance with antitrust laws, we can help you understand how to stay on the right side of fairness.
Our firm is passionate about enacting meaningful and lasting changes across the industry so that everyone can benefit from legal regulations and corporate policies. Call us today at (816) 984-8100 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.