What Does an Antitrust Lawyer Do?
An antitrust lawyer is employed by individuals, businesses, and the government to make sure that companies follow antitrust laws. Some activities include:Counseling your business for antitrust laws
Representing you in a claim or lawsuit
Conducting internal corporate investigations
How Can an Antitrust Lawyer Help Me?
Do you own a growing business? You may want to prevent future legal issues by hiring an antitrust lawyer advise your business transactions. A lawyer can give antitrust counseling, such as in a distribution agreement, a joint venture or merger. An antitrust lawyer can also represent you if your business is accused of violating antitrust laws.Are you negatively affected by anticompetitive business practices? An antitrust lawyer can represent you in a lawsuit or help you form a class action, such as if:
- You're a business owner unable to survive because one company has monopolized your industry
- You're a consumer that's paying more because one company is raising prices unfairly
Antitrust violations are difficult to prove—you need to show that one company is affecting the entire market by trying to run out all the other business. This makes it important to find a lawyer who's an expert in antitrust laws and knows how to prove a violation. Your lawyer should be able to advise you whether or not the case is worth your time or money since such cases are difficult to win.
How Much Does an Antitrust Lawyer Cost?
Typically, antitrust attorneys charge by the hour. Some may charge on a contingency basis, which means that you're billed a percentage only if you win your case. If you don't win, your lawyer won't receive any payment. Since a lawyer runs the risk of not being paid, it's likely you will only be charged a contingency if you have a very strong case. Negotiate a rate up front so that you know what to expect.What Should I Expect When Working with an Antitrust Lawyer?
An antitrust attorney should be honest about your chance winning your case and how long the process will take. If you do end up going to court, it's a long and expensive proceeding. Even though your attorney will be able to guide you, you have to commit a lot to the case. Expert testimonies are necessary and will add additional costs. Antitrust cases are often class action suits, so the burden is shared among a group. Although it's possible for you to win a large settlement, a very likely result is a lot of time and effort with no result. An antitrust attorney is the most qualified to advise on your best plan of action, so it's best to consult with an attorney if you think you have a valid case.This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
