Svetlana Gans

Partner

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP

Svetlana Gans

Partner

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP

Svetlana S. Gans is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP where she helps clients navigate complex consumer protection, privacy, and competition related regulatory proceedings before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), , U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, State Attorneys General and other enforcement bodies. Ms. Gans also assists on litigation matters and provides strategic counseling and advice related to public policy issues.

Before joining Gibson Dunn, she served as the Vice President & Associate General Counsel at NCTA, the Internet & Television Association, where she helped lead the association’s consumer protection and competition policy work. Prior to joining NCTA, Ms. Gans served with distinction as Chief of Staff to Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen at the FTC. As the agency chief of staff, Ms. Gans managed and oversaw agency operations, including bureau and office heads reporting to the Chairman, a seven-member office staff, and an agency budget of over $300 million. She also served as the Acting Chairman’s key advisor on consumer protection and competition investigations and litigation, working with a diverse team of attorneys and economists to preserve competition and protect U.S. consumers. She created, executed, and oversaw several strategic initiatives for the agency, including the agency process reform, regulatory reform, and data security transparency initiatives. Previously, Ms. Gans had the unique experience of serving in both litigating bureaus of the FTC: the Bureau of Competition and the Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Prior to her time in government, Ms. Gans worked as an antitrust associate at major law firms. Her practice focused on defending consumer product, financial services, and trade association clients in regulatory and private investigations alleging conspiracy and violations of antitrust and consumer protection laws.

Ms. Gans has been an active leader in the ABA Antitrust Law Section (“Section”) for two decades, and currently serves as the Section’s Marketing Officer. Ms. Gans helped create the Section’s Young Lawyer Representative Program, now in its 10th year, and the Section’s Law Ambassador Program, each aimed at developing and promoting the next generation of consumer protection and competition attorneys. Ms. Gans is also active in the Federal Communications Bar Association, currently serving as Co-Chair of the Diversity Pipeline Initiative and the Women’s Leadership Committee.

Ms. Gans received her law degree with high honors from the University of Denver College of Law. During law school, Ms. Gans served as a Judicial Intern to the Honorable John L. Kane, Jr. and as an Honors Program Paralegal for the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division, Merger Taskforce. Ms. Gans earned her undergraduate degree cum laude from Boston University.

A person listed as a contributor has spoken or otherwise participated in Regulatory Transparency Project events, publications, or multimedia presentations. A person's appearance on the website does not imply an endorsement or relationship between the person and the Regulatory Transparency Project. The Regulatory Transparency Project takes no position on particular legal or public policy issues. All expressions of opinion by a contributor are those of the contributor.

Contributions

Deep Dive Episode 254 – The Implications of the FTC’s Proposed Ban on Noncompete Agreements

March 8, 2023

In January 2023, the FTC announced a proposed rule that would ban noncompete agreements across most of the U.S. economy – a move President Biden lauded in his recent State of the Union address.

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The Implications of the FTC’s Proposed Ban on Noncompete Agreements

March 8, 2023

In January 2023, the FTC announced a proposed rule that would ban noncompete agreements across most of the U.S. economy – a move President Biden lauded in his recent State of the Union address.

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Deep Dive Episode 251 – FTC: Cost/Benefit Analysis of Proposed Rules – A Deeper Dive

February 13, 2023

A panel of experts explore how a federal agency undertakes the cost-benefit analysis for proposed rules, comparing independent agencies to those subject to OIRA review, and provide practical tips for lawyers and economists working on agency rulemaking comments.

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Deep Dive Episode 245 – Courthouse Steps Oral Argument: Axon v. Federal Trade Commission

November 18, 2022

Experts discuss key take-aways from the Axon v. FTC oral argument and implications for administrative litigation at the Federal Trade Commission and other agencies.

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Courthouse Steps Oral Argument: Axon v. Federal Trade Commission

November 18, 2022

Experts discuss key take-aways from the Axon v. FTC oral argument and implications for administrative litigation at the Federal Trade Commission and other agencies.

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SCOTUS Preview: Axon v. FTC

Svetlana Gans and Josh Zuckerman

October 7, 2022

On November 7, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Axon Enterprise, Inc. v. Federal Trade Commission. The case presents a narrow but vital question of administrative law. Do district courts have jurisdiction to hear “constitutional challenges to the Federal Trade Commission’s structure, procedures, and existence?” Or must plaintiffs first raise such constitutional challenges in administrative proceedings before the FTC?

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The FTC in the Current Administration: Buckle Your Seatbelts

November 18, 2021

An expert panel debates the future of the FTC.

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Deep Dive Episode 203 – FTC’s Revolution Through Rulemaking

November 4, 2021

A panel of experts discusses the FTC’s statutory authority, processes and procedures, and likely upcoming actions.

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FTC’s Revolution Through Rulemaking

November 4, 2021

A panel of experts discusses the FTC’s statutory authority, processes and procedures, and likely upcoming actions.

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An Interview with Makan Delrahim, Former Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Antitrust Division

Makan Delrahim and Svetlana Gans

March 22, 2021

Svetlana S. Gans interviews Makan Delrahim, former Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Antitrust Division.

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Deep Dive Episode 165 – Fireside Chat on the State of the FTC with Bilal Sayyed

March 3, 2021

Bilal Sayyed and Svetlana Gans discuss the state of the FTC, the challenges facing the agency, and the path ahead in the new administration.

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Fireside Chat with FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips: The House Judiciary Antitrust Staff Report

November 23, 2020

The Regulatory Transparency Project hosted a virtual fireside chat with FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips on the House Judiciary Antitrust Staff Report and its potential ramifications.

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Deep Dive Episode 146 – Fireside Chat with FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips

November 23, 2020

In this live podcast, FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips, Svetlana Gans, and Koren Wong-Ervin discuss the House Judiciary’s recent staff report and its potential ramifications.

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Deep Dive Episode 139 – Implications of Data Portability: A Consumer Protection Tool or Burden?

October 19, 2020

An expert panel discusses the consumer protection and privacy implications of data portability.

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Deep Dive Episode 120 – FTC Rulemaking: Underutilized Tool or National Nanny Renewed?

July 13, 2020

This expert panel examines recent calls for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to engage in substantive rulemaking under the competition and consumer-protection prongs of Section 5 of the FTC Act. How far does FTC statutory authority under 6(g) extend? Is rulemaking appropriate as a matter of policy? How has FTC rulemaking fared in the past and what guideposts should apply?

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FTC Rulemaking: Underutilized Tool or National Nanny Renewed?

July 13, 2020

This expert panel examined recent calls for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to engage in substantive rulemaking under the competition and consumer-protection prongs of Section 5 of the FTC Act. How far does FTC statutory authority under 6(g) extend? Is rulemaking appropriate as a matter of policy? How has FTC rulemaking fared in the past and what guideposts should apply?

FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips gave honorary introductory remarks.

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Deep Dive Episode 119 – FTC Remedial Authority: Powers, Process, and Suggestions for Reform

July 7, 2020

How does the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) calculate consumer injury and civil penalties in consumer protection matters? This live podcast will discuss the FTC’s remedial powers, process, and suggestions for reform, including how the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Liu v. SEC and other cases may impact the FTC going forward.

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FTC Hot Topics with Commissioner Christine Wilson: Regulatory Reform, Privacy, Antitrust, & Beyond

May 21, 2020

On May 18, the Regulatory Transparency Project hosted a virtual fireside chat discussion on the Federal Trade Commission’s regulatory reform efforts, federal privacy legislation, and the future of antitrust law.

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Deep Dive Episode 112 – FTC Hot Topics with Commissioner Christine Wilson: Regulatory Reform, Privacy, Antitrust, & Beyond

May 21, 2020

Please enjoy this recording of our May 18, 2020 fireside chat discussion on the Federal Trade Commission’s regulatory reform efforts, federal privacy legislation, and the future of antitrust law.

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Deep Dive Episode 78 – FTC’s 21st Century Hearings

October 28, 2019

With the conclusion of the Federal Trade Commission’s 21st Century Hearings, the agency is finalizing several reports concerning the state of competition in the US, vertical mergers, the consumer welfare standard, and privacy.

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