BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh this week announced that former Federal Trade Commission Chair Jon Leibowitz will join the Office of Attorney General. Leibowitz, a legal expert on privacy, technology, antitrust, and consumer issues will work part-time as Senior Counsel.
Leibowitz was sworn in as an FTC Commissioner in 2004, designated to serve as Chairman in 2009, and confirmed for a second term in 2012. During his tenure as Chairman, Leibowitz led efforts to crack down on “pay-for-delay” pharmaceutical deals, stop frauds targeting vulnerable populations, and protect consumer’s, particularly children’s, privacy online. Prior to joining the Commission, Leibowitz served as the Democratic Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Antitrust Subcommittee from 1997 to 2000, where he focused on competition policy and telecommunications matters. He served as Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the Senate Subcommittee on Terrorism and Technology from 1995 to 1996 and the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice from 1991 to 1994.
In addition, he served as Chief Counsel to Senator Herb Kohl from 1989 to 2000 and worked for Senator Paul Simon from 1986 to 1987. Most recently, Leibowitz was a Partner at Davis Polk and Wardwell, LLP where he focused on complex antitrust mergers and acquisitions as well as government and private antitrust investigations and litigation.
“We are delighted to have Jon lend his vast expertise in consumer and privacy issues to the office,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Our efforts to protect consumers from harmful business practices have produced tremendous results and we look forward to strengthening our efforts with the addition of Jon to our team.”
“State attorneys general play a critical role in protecting consumers, and Brian Frosh has been a leader in this effort,” said Leibowitz. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with him as well as an exceptional group of enforcers.”
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in American History (1980), Leibowitz graduated from the New York University School of Law in 1984.
The Office of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division provides mediation and arbitration services to help resolve complaints against businesses and health insurance carriers; registers health clubs and new home builders; and produces a wide array of consumer education materials. In FY 2020, the Division received 10,900 complaints and recovered $26.2 million for Maryland consumers.
The Antitrust Division enforces the Maryland Antitrust Act in order to foster fair and honest competition in the State of Maryland. Recently, the Division filed lawsuits against Google and Facebook alleging the companies violated antitrust laws, and against pharmaceutical companies alleging the companies engaged in a price-fixing conspiracy.
