WashU Law alumnus Jonathan Kanter, JD ‘08, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division, recently spoke with Dean Stefanie Lindquist at an alumni event in Washington, D.C.
Kanter is a well-known and highly respected figure in antitrust law. Most recently, he led a landmark case against Google, where he successfully alleged that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search. Though the case is not yet resolved, it has been positioned as a tremendous victory over “Big Tech” that will set a precedent for future antitrust cases in Silicon Valley.
In conversation with Dean Lindquist, Kanter shared his path from WashU Law to the DOJ, shedding light on his professional journey and the growing importance of antitrust enforcement in today’s economy. Kanter emphasized his division’s mission to preserve competitive markets, citing the Google case as part of a larger effort to rein in monopolistic behavior and protect consumer rights. He provided insights into the intricacies of the case, including Google’s failed effort to have him recused and the challenges of confronting one of the world’s most powerful corporations.
Kanter also reflected on his time at WashU Law, recalling formative experiences as a student, particularly in Professor John Drobak’s class. Drobak, a renowned expert in law and economics, had a lasting impact on Kanter, who credited the professor for his interest in antitrust law. The two remain friends and colleagues to this day, with Kanter frequently returning to Anheuser-Busch Hall to guest lecture in Drobak’s classes.
This special event underscored WashU Law’s commitment to building lasting relationships with those who come through our halls. WashU Law students are among the best and brightest legal minds, and it is a great honor to celebrate their successes long after they graduate.
