Associate Dean Roger Alford appointed to leadership role at U.S. Department of Justice

Roger P. Alford, a professor of law and associate dean for international and graduate programs at Notre Dame Law School, has been appointed to a position at the U.S. Department of Justice where he will promote the enforcement of antitrust laws around the world.

“Roger’s expertise on international law issues, particularly his familiarity with trade, will be an asset to the division as he oversees our international work,” said a DOJ spokesperson. “His talent, experience, and dedication will enable him to deliver results for American consumers.”

As deputy assistant attorney general for international affairs in the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, Alford will manage all aspects of the division’s international work, including managing cases with an international dimension and developing policy on issues of international antitrust enforcement.

“This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy in a positive direction,” Alford said. “With the proliferation of antitrust laws around the world, there is a critical need to ensure that other countries are enforcing their antitrust laws with due regard for transparency, due process, and nondiscrimination.”

Alford has focused on international economic law throughout his career. The link between trade and antitrust law is one of his core interests.

“Professor Alford’s expertise in international economic law and his broad perspective on the field will enable him to make a significant contribution as the deputy assistant attorney general for international affairs,” said Professor Avishalom Tor, director of the Research Program on Law and Market Behavior at Notre Dame Law School. “This contribution, moreover, will also benefit NDLS, further raising our profile in the important area of international business law.”

Nell Jessup Newton, the Joseph A. Matson Dean of Notre Dame Law School, said, “Roger’s work on antitrust matters at the Justice Department will be significant, and the expertise, integrity, and professionalism that he brings to the position will benefit us all. Equally important, I have no doubt that his experiences there will inure to the benefit of his students and prove fruitful for his scholarship when he returns home to the Law School.”

Alford will remain a member of Notre Dame Law School’s faculty, but he will be on leave while serving in the DOJ position.