President Barack Obama on Thursday nominated former FTC Commissioner Christine Varney for assistant attorney general for antitrust -- a position that has become increasingly important as more high-tech, telecommunications and media mergers and acquisitions face regulatory scrutiny. Varney, who has been partner at Hogan & Hartson since 1997 most recently served as personnel counsel to the Obama transition team and has extensive experience in Internet and technology law.

While at the FTC, Varney pioneered the application of innovation market theory analysis to transactions in both high-tech and biotechnology fields, according to a White House personnel press release. She also focused her efforts on healthcare issues, enforcing the antitrust laws in that industry, while also encouraging the government agencies to be more receptive to innovative delivery modes and models. At Hogan & Hartson, her clients have included the American Hospital Association, Internet auction site eBay, Sun Microsystems, and Dow Jones before its acquisition by News Corp.

In related news, David Kris was appointed assistant attorney general for national security. He is currently deputy general counsel and chief compliance officer media conglomerate Time Warner. Kris previously served as associate deputy attorney general where his unclassified responsibilities included supervising the government's use of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, representing department at the National Security Council, briefing and testifying before Congress.