Kevin Yingling – Freshfields

Kevin Joins freshfields’ Antitrust Team, Bringing Decades of Tech & Regulatory Expertise to DC

By Archyde News Team

Published: Current Date

A Key Hire for Freshfields in Washington, D.C.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has announced the addition of Kevin to its Antitrust, Competition, and Trade (ACT) practice group in Washington, D.C. with over 25 years of experience in competition law,Kevin’s arrival bolsters the firm’s capabilities in merger control,antitrust investigations,and client counseling. This move comes at a crucial time as antitrust scrutiny in the U.S. and globally intensifies, particularly in the tech sector.

Deep Roots in Tech and Regulatory Oversight

Kevin’s career reflects a blend of in-house experience and government service, providing him with a unique outlook on antitrust issues. Before joining Freshfields, he spent 15 years at Google as the lead antitrust counsel for global M&A. This role saw him advising on some of the most complex and high-profile antitrust matters in the tech industry, navigating the ever-shifting landscape of regulatory oversight. Prior to that, he was a counsel in the antitrust and competition practice at a major U.S. law firm, representing clients in meaningful merger litigation and regulatory investigations. He began his legal career as an Honors Attorney in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he worked on high-stakes investigations in the technology, telecommunications, and financial services sectors. Kevin also clerked for Chief judge J. Frederick Motz of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

His experience within the Department of Justice is particularly relevant, given the current administration’s increased focus on antitrust enforcement. The DOJ, under Attorney General Merrick garland, has signaled a more aggressive approach to mergers and acquisitions, particularly those involving large technology companies. Kevin’s time at the DOJ gives him an insider’s understanding of the government’s priorities and strategies.

“Kevin’s deep understanding of both the regulatory landscape and the competitive dynamics of the tech industry makes him a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex antitrust issues.”

This insight will be invaluable as freshfields advises clients on navigating this increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Expertise in a Shifting Antitrust Landscape

The regulatory environment for mergers and acquisitions has become increasingly complex in recent years. Developments and factors driving this change include:

• Increased Scrutiny of Tech Mergers: Regulators in the U.S.and Europe are taking a closer look at mergers involving technology companies, concerned about potential anti-competitive effects.
• Focus on “Killer Acquisitions”: There is growing concern about companies acquiring smaller competitors to shut them down, eliminating potential future competition.
• Emphasis on Labor Market Effects: Antitrust enforcers are paying closer attention to the impact of mergers on labor markets,concerned about potential wage suppression and reduced worker mobility.

Kevin’s experience at Google, a company that has faced significant antitrust scrutiny, positions him well to advise clients on these emerging issues. His understanding of the tech industry’s competitive dynamics also allows him to provide strategic advice beyond purely legal considerations.

Thought Leadership and Industry Involvement

Kevin’s contributions extend beyond his legal practice. His involvement with the American Bar Association’s Section of Antitrust Law, where he serves on the Editorial Board of the Antitrust Source, underscores his commitment to shaping the discourse around competition law. This ongoing engagement with the antitrust community keeps him at the forefront of emerging legal trends and provides him with a platform to share his expertise.

Area of Expertise	Impact on Clients
Merger Control	Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and navigating complex approval processes.
Antitrust Investigations	Providing expert defense and strategic guidance during government investigations.
Client Counseling	Offering proactive advice to minimize antitrust risks and maximize competitive opportunities.

Looking Ahead: Freshfields’ Antitrust Practice

At Freshfields, Kevin will continue to leverage his experience to provide clients with sophisticated competition-focused advice in the U.S. and internationally. His arrival strengthens the firm’s position in the competitive antitrust legal market, particularly in the tech sector. The firm’s global presence and deep bench of antitrust lawyers positions it well to handle complex, cross-border matters.

“At Freshfields,Kevin continues to leverage his extensive experience to deliver sophisticated competition-centered advice to clients in the U.S.and around the world.”

His expertise will be crucial as companies navigate the evolving antitrust landscape and seek to achieve their strategic goals while remaining compliant with increasingly stringent regulations.

How has Kevin’s experience at both Google and the Department of Justice shaped his approach to advising clients on antitrust issues, notably in the fast-paced tech industry?

Freshfields’ New Antitrust Hire: An Interview with Kevin, Expert in Tech and Competition Law

By Archyde News Team

Published: Current Date

Introduction: Welcome, Kevin!

Archyde News: Welcome, Kevin, and thank you for joining us at Archyde News. We’re excited to discuss your recent move to Freshfields and your extensive experience in the world of antitrust. To start,could you briefly describe your initial impressions of Freshfields and what attracted you to the role?

Kevin’s Outlook on Antitrust

Kevin: Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to join Freshfields. It’s a firm with a phenomenal reputation and a truly global reach, wich is crucial in today’s increasingly interconnected antitrust landscape.What really drew me was the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team and to contribute to the firm’s already robust antitrust practice, especially in the tech sector, a space I deeply care about and have spent much of my career in.

A Career Forged in Tech and Government

Archyde News: Your background is interesting, spanning both in-house experience at Google and a tenure at the Department of Justice. How has this diverse experience shaped your approach to advising clients on antitrust issues, particularly in the fast-paced tech industry?

Kevin: Having seen the world through both the lens of a tech company and the government’s watch, I’ve gained a unique perspective. At Google, I learned firsthand the complexities of navigating regulatory scrutiny and the innovative strategies companies employ. At the DOJ, I gained an gratitude for the government’s perspective and the importance of maintaining fair competition. This dual understanding allows me to offer clients strategic advice that considers both legal requirements and the competitive realities of the tech market.

Current Antitrust Challenges and Opportunities

Archyde news: We’re seeing increased antitrust scrutiny, particularly in the tech sector. What are some of the most pressing challenges companies face today, and how can they best prepare for them?

Kevin: The landscape has certainly evolved. Companies now grapple with increased examination of mergers, concerns around “killer acquisitions,” and the effects on labour markets. To navigate this,companies should prioritize proactive risk assessments,diligently track competitive dynamics,and be prepared to justify the pro-competitive benefits of their transactions. Transparency and engaging constructively with regulators are also paramount.

The Role of Freshfields in the Antitrust World

Archyde News: freshfields has a strong global presence. How does that position the firm to assist clients dealing with cross-border antitrust issues, especially considering the varying approaches of different regulatory bodies?

Kevin: Freshfields’ global footprint is a significant advantage. With offices around the world, we can offer seamless advice on multijurisdictional antitrust investigations and transactions. Our ability to understand and navigate the nuances of different regulatory systems, whether it’s the U.S., Europe, or Asia, is a key strength. This enables our clients to streamline their operations and avoid potential legal pitfalls.

Insight and Forward Thinking

Archyde News: What advice would you offer to any companies anticipating regulatory scrutiny, perhaps from the DOJ, FTC, or European Commission?

Kevin: Planning is critical. Understand your market position and competitive landscape well. Conduct thorough due diligence on any contemplated merger or acquisition, and be ready to proactively address any potential antitrust concerns. Maintaining open interaction with regulators can often help to clarify and resolve issues before they become significant hurdles. Don’t be afraid to seek experienced counsel; it can be a valuable preemptive measure.

Looking Ahead and Thought Leadership

Archyde News: You are active in sharing your knowledge through the American Bar Association. how crucial is it to stay at the forefront of legal development to serve your clients effectively?

Kevin: It’s absolutely essential. Antitrust law is constantly evolving. Participating in discussions with my peers in the ABA enables me to stay informed of emerging trends and best practices. It also helps me understand how new legal doctrines and precedents that may shape the advice I give my clients.

In Conclusion

Archyde News: Kevin, this has been a truly insightful conversation. Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with us. what is one piece of advice you would give to a tech company of any size hoping to enter the merger and acquisitions market?

Kevin: Always prioritize compliance and sound business practices upfront.Remember, the best offense is a good defense. Thorough due diligence and clear communication, in addition legal counsel, are paramount for your long-term success.

Archyde News: Thank you for your time! We appreciate your insights.

Kevin: My pleasure.