Partners Ashley Callen and Annie Kastanek spoke on a panel at the 2025 Garrett Institute conference hosted by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law on October 9.
Ashley participated in a panel discussing the increasingly complex landscape of M&A transactions, where consumer groups, Congress, organized labor, activist investors, and state attorneys general can exert political influence that extends regulatory timelines and complicates deal closures. Panelists emphasized the importance of planning for "beyond the Beltway" antitrust activity and maintaining close coordination among corporate counsel, outside counsel, investor relations, communications teams, and business leads.
Annie spoke on a panel providing Supreme Court updates, including a review of the 2024 October Term’s statistics, major developments, and cases dismissed as improvidently granted. Panelists also offered a preview of the 2025 October Term, including the continued importance of the emergency docket and key issues for the upcoming term.
Ashley is Co-Chair of the Congressional Investigations Practice and a member of the Government Controversies Practice, bringing 25 years of service in senior legal and oversight roles in the US Congress to her representation of clients engaged with the federal government. As a former top legal advisor to House Republican leadership, Ashley is trusted by clients navigating congressional inquiries, high-stakes public hearings, and complex oversight matters.
As Co-Chair of the firm’s Appellate and Supreme Court Practice, Annie leverages this vast appellate and trial experience, and her award-winning writing skills, to successfully represent clients in high-stakes matters. She regularly represents clients in the US Supreme Court and the federal courts of appeals, as well as in federal district court.
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