Christopher J. Abbott

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CJAbbott@Venable.com

Washington, DC

T +1 202.344.8083

Chris Abbott advises companies on complex antitrust matters, including high-stakes mergers, government investigations, and class action litigation. With experience in both government and private practice, Chris helps clients navigate regulatory scrutiny, mitigate risk, and achieve business objectives. He works with clients across the healthcare, technology, agriculture, and private equity industries, offering strategic, practical guidance throughout the deal life cycle and in contentious antitrust proceedings. He also counsels companies on compliance and the antitrust implications of day-to-day business decisions, helping them proactively manage exposure, particularly in matters involving sensitive competition issues and high regulatory scrutiny.

Chris brings significant experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, guiding clients from initial antitrust risk assessment through advocacy before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to secure regulatory clearance. Drawing on his experience in the FTC's Bureau of Competition, Chris provides strategic insight into government enforcement priorities and investigative processes, allowing him to seamlessly represent clients in parallel civil and criminal investigations.

Related Practices

Related Industries

Experience

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Government Experience

Attorney, Mergers IV Division, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 2013 – 2015

Representative Matters

Advised a global healthcare company in a multi-billion-dollar acquisition, securing antitrust clearance from the FTC with minimal divestitures
Represented a multinational records and information management company in a multi-billion-dollar acquisition, obtaining DOJ approval
Counseled a global pharmaceutical company in a complex asset exchange transaction involving animal health and consumer healthcare businesses
Advised on a biotechnology company acquisition, achieving FTC clearance following extensive regulatory engagement
Represented a major poultry producer in federal antitrust class actions and consolidated direct actions involving alleged price-fixing and supply restrictions
Defended a large food industry company in litigation alleging wage suppression through industry benchmarking and information exchanges

Insights

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Credentials

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Education

J.D. Suffolk University Law School 2012
B.A. American University 2005

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia
Massachusetts
New York

Court Admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Professional Memberships and Activities

Member, Section of Antitrust Law, American Bar Association
Member, DC Bar Association

Recognition

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DC Bar
- Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, High Honors, 2024
- Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, Honors, 2022, 2025
Federal Trade Commission, Janet D. Steiger Award, 2013
- Awarded to the Phoebe Putney/Palmyra team

Community

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Pro Bono

Assisted Afghan interpreters and their families in obtaining special immigrant visas
Represented indigent tenants in landlord-tenant disputes