House Republicans and Democrats raised concerns about how the proposed $39 billion merger between AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile USA may affect consumers and the companies’ employees.

The former Justice Department lawyer led the Antitrust Division Networks and Technology Enforcement Section.

Will the deal result in the return of “Ma Bell”?

“I expect the Department of Justice and Federal Communications Commission to conduct an exhaustive and careful analysis of this acquisition and its impact on competition,” Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said in his opening statement.

A 5-to-4 ruling in favor of AT&T Mobility is seen as a victory for big corporations.

In perhaps the most notable addition to its docket, the Supreme Court will review a decision certifying the largest plaintiff class in history, write former Attorney General Richard Thornburgh, David Fine and John Longstreth of K&L Gates LLP.

The trade group formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America suggested the SEC broaden the scope of what is covered under the current proposal.

AT&T’s general counsel proposed to expand the universe of employees who could be considered culpable in a securities investigation – and thereby excluded from receiving a whistleblower bounty.

One of the five line attorneys in the Fraud Section who handles Foreign Corrupt Practices Act cases is now on detail to the FBI director’s office.