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Justice Department honors William J. Baer with John Sherman Award
Summary
The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division presented the John Sherman Award to William J. Baer, honoring his leadership at both the FTC and DOJ and citing major antitrust actions and mentorship of a generation of enforcers.
Doha Mekki, principal deputy assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division, opened the Sherman Award ceremony by welcoming in-person and virtual guests and introducing William J. Baer as the event’s honoree.
Speakers praised Baer’s career leading antitrust enforcement at both the Federal Trade Commission (as director of the Bureau of Competition) and the Department of Justice (as Assistant Attorney General). Jonathan Kanter and others recalled Baer’s emphasis on building litigation capacity, collaboration between economists and lawyers, and a leadership style that prioritized mentoring and institutional strength. Dr. Nancy Rose, a professor of applied economics at MIT and a former deputy assistant attorney general for economic analysis, described Baer as a decisive leader who invested in staff and embraced rigorous analysis and clear communications in litigation.
Video remarks from Margrethe Vestager, the former European Commission executive vice president, and a speech from Judge Diane Wood highlighted Baer’s international engagement and his role in high‑profile enforcement matters. Judge Wood recounted Baer’s role in appellate advocacy, including the Toys ‘‘R’’ Us matter, and framed his work as part of a broader, global effort to coordinate effective competition enforcement.
Attorney General Merrick Garland credited Baer with important wins that shaped U.S. markets, citing the department’s intervention in large mergers and settlements that preserved competitive slots at major airports. Garland noted the Antitrust Division’s growth in recent years and said that analytically grounded, independent enforcement — a hallmark, he said, of Baer’s approach — provides assurance to the public and the courts.
In accepting the award, Baer thanked family, friends and colleagues, praised the Division’s career staff, and acknowledged those who contributed to his public service. The ceremony included a performance of the national anthem by retired Antitrust Division staff member Shawnee Bell and tributes from former colleagues across government, academia and international enforcement bodies.
The Sherman Award, established in 1994, is presented only rarely to recognize lifetime contributions to antitrust law, the protection of competition and economic liberty. The event closed with Baer’s remarks of gratitude and recognition of the teams and mentors who shaped his career.
