William E. Kovacic, An Antitrust Tribute - Liber Amicorum, Vol. I - N. CHARBIT, E. RAMUNDO, A. CHEHTOVA, A. SLATER (ed.)

Charbit, Nicolas

William E. Kovacic, An Antitrust Tribute - Liber Amicorum, Vol. I - N. CHARBIT, E. RAMUNDO, A. CHEHTOVA, A. SLATER (ed.)

Nicolas Charbit, Anna Chehtova, Abigail Slater

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This Antitrust Tribute is a selection of 31 essays providing an insightful and original look at the antitrust law to which Prof. William E. Kovacic has contributed so much. This first volume, mainly covering issues of U.S. and European antitrust law, gathers articles by prominent authors among Professor Kovacic’s friends and colleagues. It is organized into two parts. Part I, entitled “An Antitrust Career”, consists of 9 papers that pay tribute to Kovacic as a man, professor, and public official. They offer an original as well as enthralling picture of his scholarship and public enforcement efforts. Part II, entitled “New Frontiers of Antitrust”, includes 22 articles covering different aspects of competition law, ranging from cartels in the U.S. and Europe to mergers analysis, private rights of action, antitrust settlements, etc. The overall result is a collective work that offers the opportunity to look over the antitrust world not only as a “cold” field of law, but also as a lively discipline to whose growth Prof. Kovacic has contributed greatly. Volume II will focus on the international career of William E. Kovacic and on international and bilateral antitrust issues.

Endorsements

– "What a fitting tribute this is to one of the most admired figures in the competition law community, filled with insights, reflections, and laughs. Competition lawyers are a competitive lot and nothing brings out their best like some friendly rivalry to pen the cleverest accolades to a colleague who has won respect and affection the world over. From revealing remembrances to perceptive scrutiny of antitrust policy, this collection features exploration of such timely issues as the scope of FTC authority and the role of international cooperation among enforcement agencies. A unique addition to the competition law literature, this volume will make Professor Kovacic proud." Richard M. Steuer, Mayer Brown

– "There are few among us whom one can call a "legend in his own time." Bill Kovacic is among those few. His accomplishments in the international antitrust arena as a scholar, a public servant and an educator are unparalleled. It is thus meet and just that An Antitrust Tribute Liber Amicorum is devoted to him. Volume I is comprised of 31 articles by a veritable pantheon of contributors who collectively constitute the crème de la crème of the international antitrust community around the world. The articles are uniformly of the highest intellectual and practical interest. Volume I should indeed be a welcome addition to the literature and to the libraries of antitrust afficianados." Barry Hawk, Fordham University

– "Bill Kovacic is one of our premier antitrust thinkers, writers and teachers. This book collects essays on Bill’s many facets, and illuminates them with the power of friendly observation.“ Kent Bernard, Fordham University

– "In quite a unique way, this tribute to Bill Kovacic captures not only the brilliance of his antitrust scholarship, but the essence of the man. For those of us who have had the pleasure of working with Bill, the contributions in this book remind us of the extraordinary role Bill has played in promoting competition principles around the globe. To its credit, however, the book goes well beyond a recitation of his accomplishments and aptly describes how Bill has combined intellect, humor and oratory skills to reach unparalleled heights in the antitrust community." Jeffrey Schmidt, Linklaters

– "Antitrust enforcement is now routinely front page news across the world. Reflecting on the innumerable personal and professional contributions of Bill Kovacic to the field, this book explores the evolution of the complex contours of modern-day U.S. and international antitrust law. It thoughtfully confirms and helps satisfy the age-old principle that before we can claim to truly understand where we are presently or where we may be headed next, we must have a firm grasp on how we arrived here in the first place." John Terzaken, Allen & Overy

– " “William E. Kovacic: An Antitrust Tribute” gathers a collection of thoughtful articles from leading scholars and practicing attorneys. Its breadth of subjects and its consistent quality of authorship is impressive and provides material warranting close study by sophisticated antitrust enthusiasts. This Liber Amicorum is a novel publication theme in American legal literature. With this publication, the style will likely be followed, but Concurrences Journal and the Institute of Competition Law sets a high standard to meet." David Laing, Crowell & Moring

– "Bill Kovacic is one of the brightest stars in the Antitrust Constellation. This book pays tribute to his remarkable career, not just in the United States, but throughout the world, as a scholar, regulator, an acolyte for sound policy. Besides highlighting Bill’s long lasting influence, the book offers insightful, penetrating essays on many of competition policies most pressing issues, including the standards for dominance, merger policy, and convergence among the growing number of competition agencies." Tim Muris, Kirkland

– "The first volume of the festschrift celebration of Bill Kovacic’s careers in the academy and public service successfully captures the myriad and diversity of Bill’s contributions to competition law and policy. During his tenure at the Federal Trade Commission and the universities where he has taught, he has had a profound influence on his students—which I define to include both those inside and outside the classroom—as well as an important impact on many important areas of antitrust. As the book well captures, he single-handedly has focused the antitrust community on the often neglected institutional dimensions of a modern and effective competition law enforcement. As a consequence there is probably no person whose guidance has been sought more often by developing competition regimes. The book brings together a distinguished array of scholars, agency officials and practitioners who know both the man and his work and who are able to well portray both Bill’s thought leadership but also Bill’s qualities as a amiable professor,colleague and genuine nice guy." Terry Calvani, Freshfields Bruckhaud Deringer

– "This is an incredible volume in honor of an incredible person whose footprints cover the globe. The roster of authors is also stunning. It includes not only some of the best and most interesting antitrust authors but also, fitting to Bill, it spans the world from US to Europe to China; and the book spans the subjects and philosophies of antitrust. Not least, book chapters recount, with obvious admiration and often humor, highlights of Bill’s multitudinous contributions to antitrust, including what I believe to be his most foundational – Bill’s virtual creation of the field of antitrust institutions." Eleanor Fox, New York University

– "This Liber Amicorum is a fitting tribute to Professor Kovacic, whose historical research and writing, international consulting, and senior policy-making at the U.S. FTC have made him one of the most widely respected and influential figures in the worldwide competition community during the past twenty years. Consistent with Professor Kovacic’s emphasis on the importance of competition "R&D," this volume contributes important pieces from many of the field’s leading scholars and practitioners on a wide range of issues, ranging from merger analysis to cartels to private rights of action. Practitioners and scholars alike will want to become familiar with these articles on the most cutting-edge issues in competition policy today, as well as with the contributions and career of one of the field’s most distinguished intellectual leaders." Susan Creighton, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Testimonials

David Laing
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Washington)

United States

William E. Kovacic: An Antitrust Tribute gathers a collection of thoughtful articles from leading scholars and practicing attorneys. Its breadth of subjects and its consistent quality of authorship is impressive and provides material warranting close study by sophisticated antitrust enthusiasts. This Liber Amicorum is a novel publication theme in American legal literature. With this publication, the style will likely be followed, but Concurrences Journal and the Institute of Competition Law sets a high standard to meet.
Richard Steuer
Mayer Brown (New York)

United States 3 contributions 12392 visits

What a fitting tribute this is to one of the most admired figures in the competition law community, filled with insights, reflections, and laughs. Competition lawyers are a competitive lot and nothing brings out their best like some friendly rivalry to pen the cleverest accolades to a colleague who has won respect and affection the world over. From revealing remembrances to perceptive scrutiny of antitrust policy, this collection features exploration of such timely issues as the scope of FTC authority and the role of international cooperation among enforcement agencies. A unique addition to the competition law literature, this volume will make Professor Kovacic proud.
Jeffrey Schmidt
Linklaters (Washington)

United States 5 contributions 5647 visits

In quite a unique way, this tribute to Bill Kovacic captures not only the brilliance of his antitrust scholarship, but the essence of the man. For those of us who have had the pleasure of working with Bill, the contributions in this book remind us of the extraordinary role Bill has played in promoting competition principles around the globe. To its credit, however, the book goes well beyond a recitation of his accomplishments and aptly describes how Bill has combined intellect, humor and oratory skills to reach unparalleled heights in the antitrust community.
Valentine Korah
University of London

United Kingdom 1 contribution 70 visits

It is no surprise that there should already be a liber amicorum for Bill Kovacic decades before he finally retires. His advice and speeches all round the world, especially in developing countries, are such fun and very perceptive. The Liber Amicorum was published after he left the FTC in 2011 and consists of 31 contributions mainly from friends and admirers in America but some from other areas of the world. Better still, we are promised a second volume. Early in his career Bill taught at George Mason University School of Law and started to practice. Most of his career has been at the FTC which he joined in 2006, first as a staff attorney, later as General Counsel, then as Commissioner and Chairman. Recently, he has returned to George Washington University where he had taught immediately before joining the FTC. Since 1992, he has served also as an advisor on issues of antitrust and consumer protection to 17 different countries that were introducing or strengthening their antitrust law, most of them still developing. He is widely praised as the outstanding speaker of his generation on antitrust controversies: dynamic, lucid, perceptive and very generous to the people about whom he speaks or writes. Bill Kovacic is widely admired as an innovative, brilliant teacher and administrator. The comments are provided by the leading and most interesting thinkers not only in America. His contributions to antitrust policy in America and in countries that have recently adopted an antitrust law and policy have been diverse. His case book, which includes short essays as well as cases and difficult questions, started a new genre and has already gone into a second edition. He has published 8 other inspirational books and many articles and speeches that have appeared in law reviews and as chapters in books. They are perceptive, critical and influential, explaining the economic and political reasons for developments. His multiple interests have provided scope for many outstanding contributions to his Liber Amicorum by leading thinkers about antitrust around the world. Volume 1 pays tribute to Bill’s work as Professor, public official and “international entrepreneur.” He contributed hugely to the development of US and international antitrust law and policy. Part 1, entitled “An Antitrust Career,” consists of 10 very short and lively contributions by his friends and former colleagues. Part II consists of 21 slightly longer articles covering different aspects of competition law, ranging from cartels to merger analysis, private rights of action, settlements etc. The one entitled “Competition Law and Economic Development”, a topic dear to Bill’s heart says: “[H]ere as in so many areas Kovacic has made important contributions on both the scholarship and policy levels. In my view, this area of his work provides a key to understanding and appreciating his effectiveness on both levels. For example, I suggest that his success in helping to launch and effectively support the International Competition Network (‘ICN’) in the twenty first century rests on his dealing with competition law and development in the 1990s. I here look briefly at Kovacic’s writings in the area and their significance for the evolution of competition on the global level.” The comments on a subject to whose development Bill has contributed so much are by the leading and most interesting thinkers about antitrust and its reform all round the world. Some are empirical, some historical and others more theoretical. All are analytical, very readable, great fun and illuminate developments in many areas of antitrust - a good item to pack for the Christmas break!. The book is perceptive: the views expressed demonstrate the long term nature of Bill’s thinking and his insistence on the importance of appropriate machinery for enforcement, not always litigation. Even the best thinking is of little use unless the tools for enforcement are carefully thought through. The second volume, yet to come, will focus on Bill’s international career and on international and bilateral issues. It will be as welcome as is the liber amicorum.
Susan Creighton
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (Washington)

United States 1 contribution 404 visits

This Liber Amicorum is a fitting tribute to Professor Kovacic, whose historical research and writing, international consulting, and senior policy-making at the U.S. FTC have made him one of the most widely respected and influential figures in the worldwide competition community during the past twenty years. Consistent with Professor Kovacic’s emphasis on the importance of competition "R&D," this volume contributes important pieces from many of the field’s leading scholars and practitioners on a wide range of issues, ranging from merger analysis to cartels to private rights of action. Practitioners and scholars alike will want to become familiar with these articles on the most cutting-edge issues in competition policy today, as well as with the contributions and career of one of the field’s most distinguished intellectual leaders.
Terry Calvani
Brunswick Group (Washington)

United States 5 contributions 12828 visits

The first volume of the festschrift celebration of Bill Kovacic’s careers in the academy and public service successfully captures the myriad and diversity of Bill’s contributions to competition law and policy. During his tenure at the Federal Trade Commission and the universities where he has taught, he has had a profound influence on his students—which I define to include both those inside and outside the classroom—as well as an important impact on many important areas of antitrust. As the book well captures, he single-handedly has focused the antitrust community on the often neglected institutional dimensions of a modern and effective competition law enforcement. As a consequence there is probably no person whose guidance has been sought more often by developing competition regimes. The book brings together a distinguished array of scholars, agency officials and practitioners who know both the man and his work and who are able to well portray both Bill’s thought leadership but also Bill’s qualities as a amiable professor,colleague and genuine nice guy.
John Terzaken
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (Washington)

United States 3 contributions 3333 visits

Antitrust enforcement is now routinely front page news across the world. Reflecting on the innumerable personal and professional contributions of Bill Kovacic to the field, this book explores the evolution of the complex contours of modern-day U.S. and international antirust law. It thoughtfully confirms and helps satisfy the age-old principle that before we can claim to truly understand where we are presently or where we may be headed next, we must have a firm grasp on how we arrived here in the first place.
Timothy J. Muris
George Mason University (Fairfax)

United States 2 contributions 1349 visits

Bill Kovacic is one of the brightest stars in the Antitrust Constellation. This book pays tribute to his remarkable career, not just in the United States, but throughout the world, as a scholar, regulator, an acolyte for sound policy. Besides highlighting Bill’s long lasting influence, the book offers insightful, penetrating essays on many of competition policies most pressing issues, including the standards for dominance, merger policy, and convergence among the growing number of competition agencies.
Kent Bernard
Fordham University (New York)

United States 2 contributions 1667 visits

Bill Kovacic is one of our premier antitrust thinkers, writers and teachers. This book collects essays on Bill’s many facets, and illuminates them with the power of friendly observation.
Eleanor M. Fox
NYU School of Law (New York)

United States 27 contributions 47076 visits

This is an incredible volume in honor of an incredible person whose footprints cover the globe. The roster of authors is also stunning. It includes not only some of the best and most interesting antitrust authors but also, fitting to Bill, it spans the world from US to Europe to China; and the book spans the subjects and philosophies of antitrust. Not least, book chapters recount, with obvious admiration and often humor, highlights of Bill’s multitudinous contributions to antitrust, including what I believe to be his most foundational – Bill’s virtual creation of the field of antitrust institutions.
Barry E. Hawk
LMS Lex (Mohandseen)

Italy 2 contributions 10294 visits

There are few among us whom one can call a "legend in his own time." Bill Kovacic is among those few. His accomplishments in the international antitrust arena as a scholar, a public servant and an educator are unparalleled. It is thus meet and just that An Antitrust Tribute Liber Amicorum is devoted to him. Volume I is comprised of 31 articles by a veritable pantheon of contributors who collectively constitute the crème de la crème of the international antitrust community around the world. The articles are uniformly of the highest intellectual and practical interest. Volume I should indeed be a welcome addition to the literature and to the libraries of antitrust aficionados.