United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division

Leadership

The head of the Antitrust Division is an Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust (AAG-AT) appointed by the President of the United States. The current Acting Assistant Attorney General is Brent C. Synder.

Organization

The Antitrust Division is overseen by an Assistant Attorney General. The Assistant Attorney General is assisted by six Deputy Assistant Attorneys General (DAAG) who each oversee a different branch of the Division. One of the DAAGs holds the position of "Principal Deputy," that is "first among equals," and "will typically assume the powers of the Assistant Attorney General in the Assistant Attorney General’s absence."

Office of the Assistant Attorney General

Assistant Attorney General

Deputy Assistant Attorneys General

Chief of Staff and Senior Advisors

Directors of Enforcement

Office of the Chief Legal Advisor

Civil Sections

Litigation I Section

Litigation II Section

Litigation III Section

Networks and Technology Enforcement Section

Telecommunications and Media Enforcement Section

Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture Section

Criminal Sections and Offices

Chicago Office

New York Office

San Francisco Office

Washington Criminal I Section

Washington Criminal II Section

Economic Sections

Economic Analysis Group

Other Offices

Appellate Section

Executive Office

Foreign Commerce Section

Legal Policy Section

Closing of Field Offices

The closure of four of the Antitrust Division's criminal antitrust offices in January 2013 generated significant controversy within the Division and among members of Congress. The Attorney General posited that the closure of these offices will save money and not negatively affect criminal enforcement. A significant number of career prosecutors have voiced contrary opinions, noting that the elimination of half of the Division's criminal enforcement offices will increase travel expenses and diminish the likelihood of uncovering local or regional conspiracies.