Read
less than a minute
June 15, 2026
less than a minute
Michael Best is proud to announce Amanda Wait, partner and current leader of the firm’s Antitrust & Competition group, as the new Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office. She will oversee the office’s market development, recruitment, and strategic planning, succeeding David Crass, who will continue as partner and Co-chair of the Agribusiness and Food & Beverage industry group. Crass has served as Managing Partner for the Washington D.C. office since 2020.
Wait is a nationally recognized leader in antitrust and competition law, with more than two decades of experience as a federal antitrust enforcer and, in private practice, advising Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and innovative startups on complex merger reviews, government investigations, and high-stakes litigation. She is known for securing worldwide merger control clearances for strategic mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, and for guiding clients through antitrust investigations before the FTC, Department of Justice (DOJ), and state attorneys general.
“This is an exciting opportunity to lead a strong and talented team in Washington, D.C.,” said Wait. “We have a solid foundation in place, and I’m focused on building on that momentum as we continue to serve our clients and grow the office.”
Before joining Michael Best, she previously led the antitrust practice at a major international law firm and served as an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), where she oversaw merger investigations and enforcement actions.
“The D.C. team has built a strong reputation for client service and collaboration across the law firm and our government relations platform, Michael Best Strategies,” said Crass. “I’m proud to have been a part of building that and am excited to continue supporting our people as we move forward under Amanda’s leadership.”
Michael Best’s Washington D.C. office opened its doors in 2013, reflecting the firm’s commitment to supporting clients at the intersection of policy, innovation, and opportunity.
