Basil J. Mezines is a partner of Stein, Mitchell & Muse. Mr. Mezines has extensive experience in trade regulation matters, with particular expertise in antitrust and trade association litigation. He is an authority on competitive and antitrust analysis, including exclusionary practices and vertical contracts, mergers and joint ventures, Hart-Scott-Rodino filings and negotiations, price-fixing and coordinated behavior, networking issues, efficiencies analysis, and intellectual property issues.

Mr. Mezines consults a number of trade associations and provides expert advice on the operations of the Federal Trade Commission and Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.

During his 23 year career at the Federal Trade Commission, Mr. Mezines served in various managerial positions including Director of the Bureau of Competition, Executive Director of the Commission, Associate Executive Director, and Executive Assistant to the Chairman. As a result of his long tenure at the Commission, Mr. Mezines has played an central role in the present composition and organization of the Federal Trade Commission.

Mr. Mezines is the co-author of "Administrative Law," published by Matthew Bender. He is also the author of "Trade Associations and the Antitrust Laws," Bureau of National Affairs (BNA) (1983). He is a member of the Advisory Board of the BNA Antitrust & Trade Regulation Report, the District of Columbia and Maryland Bars; the American Bar Association (Antitrust Section), and the Federal and American Bar Associations. In previous cases, Mr. Mezines:

Provided expert consulting in Federal Trade Commission matters, including proceedings such as settlements, mediation, and arbitration.

Successfully defended a complaint brought by the Federal Trade Commission challenging an acquisition in the automotive parts industry where the combined market share of the acquiring and acquired firms in a highly concentrated market was 47%. In re Echlin Manufacturing Co., 105 F.T.C. 410 (1985).

Successfully represented the Professional Golf Association (PGA Tour) in closing a five year, high-profile investigation by the Federal Trade Commission.

Successfully represented the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASPRS) in bringing to a conclusion an Federal Trade Commission investigation for alleged agreements in restraint of trade.

Successfully defended Giant Food Inc. in a private antitrust suit alleging a joint boycott by pharmacy chains accused of conspiring to block a prescription benefits plan for employees of the State of Maryland. Merck-Medco Managed Care, Inc. v. Rite Aid, et al., Civ. Action No.: L 96-499 (Md.)

Provided expert consulting in matters concerning the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

Provided expert consulting and participation in the Supreme Court decision in ITS v. Kodak.

Represented businesses and various industries in investigations and complaints brought by the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General's Office, and the Consumer Affairs Office of Montgomery County Maryland.