Michael Wise is a partner in Paul Hastings’ Litigation Department, focusing in antitrust and competition issues. He oversees the firm’s antitrust regulatory practice, based in the Washington, D.C. office.

In today’s environment, antitrust is increasingly a multi-jurisdictional practice. Mr. Wise regularly counsels both domestic and international companies on legal challenges arising under antitrust and competition laws, including both merger clearance and conduct investigations. Mr. Wise has substantial experience navigating compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, including leading multiple responses to DOJ and FTC investigations and second requests. He has also represented clients navigating the divestiture process following a DOJ or FTC consent decree.

On global deals, Mr. Wise has often coordinated merger control filings for the European Commission and other foreign regulators, including ensuring consistency with respect to timing and substantive analysis.

Similarly, Mr. Wise has successfully defended clients responding to allegations of anticompetitive practices. This includes handling complex litigation arising under the Sherman Act and state unfair competition laws, defending clients involved in civil class action claims, and representing companies in negotiating and responding to Civil Investigative Demands and subpoenas from the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. 

Mr. Wise also counsels domestic and international clients on antitrust compliance issues, prepares antitrust policies and training materials, assists with internal audits, and provides strategic advice relating to antitrust regulatory issues. He has been published on several topics, including merger review of high-technology deals and regulatory limitations on pre-closing conduct.

Mr. Wise has been identified as a Rising Star in antitrust by Super Lawyers and The Legal 500.

The Legal 500 described Mr. Wise as “very responsive” and “able to fully grasp the issues and how to resolve them.”

• Lawdragon, 500 Leading Litigators in America (2022)
• The Legal 500 USA, Rising Star, Merger Control (2020-2022)

• George Washington University, J.D. (with honors), 2007 (Moot Court Board, Mock Trial Board and staff member of the AIPLA Quarterly Journal)
• Washington University in St. Louis, B.A. (cum laude), 2004