Christine Varney

Christine Varney was confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice on April 20, 2009, continuing a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. Immediately prior to her appointment, Ms. Varney was a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Hogan & Hartson, where she served in a dual capacity as a member of the firm's Antitrust Practice Group and head of the firm's Internet Practice Group. Her practice provided full service assistance to companies doing business globally, including providing advice on antitrust, competition policy, regulatory matters, privacy, business planning and corporate governance, intellectual property, and general liability issues. In addition, Ms. Varney was instrumental in the founding of several industry associations, including the Network Advertising Initiative and Online Privacy Alliance, working to create Internet best practices policies.

From 1994 to 1997, Ms. Varney served as a Federal Trade Commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission, and was a leading official on a wide variety of Internet and competition issues. She also pioneered the application of innovation market theory analysis to transactions in both electronic high technology and biotechnology. She led the government's effort to examine privacy issues in the information age, resulting in congressional and agency hearings, proposed industry standards, and increased government enforcement of laws protecting privacy.

Prior to becoming a Federal Trade Commissioner, Christine was an Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Cabinet. She was the primary point of contact for the 20-member Cabinet. She was responsible for the overall coordination of several major issues and initiatives between the White House and various agencies.

Before joining the Clinton Administration, Christine practiced law with Hogan & Hartson. In addition, she served as Chief Counsel to the Clinton/Gore Campaign, General Counsel to the 1992 Presidential Inaugural Committee, and General Counsel to the Democratic National Committee from 1989 to 1992.

Ms. Varney received her J.D. from Georgetown University in 1986, an M.P.A. from Syracuse University in 1978, and a B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany in 1977.