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Former FTC Antitrust Leader Returns to Covington & Burling in Leadership Role

By  |  July 7, 2025

Henry Liu, who recently served as director of the Bureau of Competition at the Federal Trade Commission, has returned to private practice by rejoining Covington & Burling LLP. The firm announced Monday that Liu will now serve as co-chair of its Antitrust and Competition Law Practice Group.

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    Liu spent approximately 18 months at the FTC, where he led efforts to investigate and litigate against what the agency deemed anticompetitive behavior in the marketplace. During his time at the Commission, he oversaw nearly 20 challenges involving mergers and business conduct, per a statement from Covington & Burling.

    According to the firm’s announcement, Liu played a role in a number of major enforcement actions, including cases involving high-value mergers such as Kroger’s proposed acquisition of Albertsons and other transactions like Tapestry’s deal with Capri, IQVIA’s merger with Propel Media, and Novant Health’s acquisition of assets from Community Health Systems. The firm credited Liu with enhancing the FTC’s litigation strategy and fostering collaboration with enforcement bodies at both state and international levels.

    “Henry’s recent government experience brings tremendous value to our clients,” Anne Lee, co-chair of Covington’s global Antitrust and Competition Law Practice, said in the firm’s statement. She emphasized his ability to guide clients through complex merger reviews and litigation scenarios.

    The return to Covington marks a continuation of Liu’s legal career in both public service and private practice. His reappointment also adds regulatory insight to Covington’s antitrust bench, noted Tom Barnett, fellow co-chair of the practice, in the firm’s release.

    Per the same statement, Liu is expected to advise clients navigating international transactions and government investigations, drawing on his recent leadership at one of the nation’s primary competition enforcement agencies.

    Source: COV