Cooley Expands Global Antitrust Practice With Senior Leadership Appointment

Armstrong will be based in Cooley’s Washington, D.C. office and brings decades of experience from both senior government positions and private practice. Per Bloomberg, his background includes advising on complex mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, government investigations and antitrust litigation.

Before entering private practice, Armstrong served as deputy director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition, where he held one of the agency’s top antitrust posts. During his tenure, he oversaw merger and conduct investigations across industries including healthcare, technology, pharmaceuticals, retail, energy and entertainment, according to Bloomberg.

“Norm is a seasoned talent and an exceptional addition to our antitrust and competition practice,” said Rachel Proffitt, partner and chief executive of Cooley. “His arrival meaningfully advances our goal of operating as a fully integrated global platform, strengthening our ability to help clients manage regulatory risk and pursue transformative transactions amid a rapidly shifting global competition landscape.”

Armstrong said Cooley’s market reputation and collaborative approach influenced his decision to join the firm.

“Cooley’s reputation for sophisticated deal work, combined with its deeply collaborative culture, was a major draw for me,” Armstrong said. “I’m excited to join a team that consistently delivers innovative, practical solutions for clients and highly motivated by the opportunity to lead a truly market-defining antitrust and competition practice.”

Armstrong has advised public companies and financial institutions on major transactions and represented leading organizations in antitrust disputes. He joins Cooley from Kirkland & Ellis, where he most recently practiced.

Cooley’s antitrust and competition group, recognized by organizations including Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500 and Global Competition Review, advises clients on merger clearances, investigations and high-stakes litigation. Per Bloomberg, the firm said Armstrong’s arrival reflects its broader strategy to expand its global regulatory and transactional advisory platform.

Source: Bloomberg