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Wrede Smith

"Read"Of Counsel
Washington, DC
About

Wrede Smith is an antitrust lawyer with 15 years of experience guiding clients through the antitrust aspects of their complex transactions, defending companies in antitrust lawsuits, and counseling clients on antitrust and consumer protection issues.

Wrede draws on his experience analyzing transactions at DOJ's Antitrust Division to provide insights for companies engaging in high-profile mergers.  He regularly represents clients in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, energy, consumer products, technology, and defense.

Wrede also has strong focus in consumer protection issues before the Federal Trade Commission, especially as related to Made in USA product labeling and marketing.

Wrede serves as Vice Chair of the Joint Conduct Committee of the American Bar Association (ABA) Antitrust Law Section and regularly speaks and writes on antitrust issues, including serving as an editor of the ABA's authoritative Antitrust Law Developments treatise.

Wrede approaches his work with the mindset of a business owner and leader, as he is a fifth-generation owner of a family business and a member of the company's Owner Steering Committee.

 

 

Areas of FocusAntitrust and CompetitionHealthcare AntitrustClass ActionsBusiness and Commercial LitigationCompliance
Bar AdmissionsDistrict of ColumbiaNew York
Education

  • J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 2011

    with High Honors

    Order of the Coif

  • B.A., Political Science, DePauw University, 2006

    Phi Beta Kappa

EXPERIENCE

  • Represented a publicly-traded building materials manufacturer in the FTC's investigation into its merger with a competitor, valued at over $3.5 billion
  • Antitrust counsel for acquisitions and sales of private equity firm, including sale of portfolio company for over $500 million
  • Secured clearance for an energy company in the FTC's investigation of multi-billion-dollar merger with another energy company, valued at over $5 billion
  • Represented electrical distribution and services company in antitrust aspects of acquisitions and sales of lines of business
  • Created antitrust compliance policy for healthcare staffing company and conducted antitrust training
  • Represented pork producer in class action litigation alleging conspiracy to suppress wages of employees
  • Obtained settlement of FTC enforcement action for equipment manufacturer related to Made in USA product labeling
  • Defended an equipment manufacturer before the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau related to its Made in USA marketing and advertising
     

AWARDS

  • "Ones to Watch," Best Lawyers, (2023 – 2025)

Pro Bono

  • Represented individuals in immigration proceedings including asylum and legal permanent resident applications

Publications

  • "FTC Signals Continued Enforcement of 'Made in USA' Labeling Rule and Guidance," McGuireWoods, July 11, 2025
  • "Trump's DOJ Antitrust Head Gets to Work," McGuireWoods, March 12, 2025

Seminars

  • Presenter, "Trends and Lessons from the New Hart-Scott-Rodino Rules," November 12, 2025
  • Session Chair & Moderator, "Evaluating Strategies to 'Fix' a Merger," ABA 2025 Antitrust Spring Meeting, April 2, 2025

Memberships

  • Vice Chair, Joint Conduct Committee, ABA Antitrust Law Section, (2023 – 2026)
  • Member, Owner Steering Committee, American Pop Corn Company, (2022 – 2026)

My latest insights

Publication
abstract business building background

Pre-2025 HSR rules to stay in place for now, new proposed changes expected by end of 2026

20 May 2026

Connect

Phone

+1 202 799 4272
(Work, Washington, DC)
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