Craig Y. Lee, with Hunton Andrews Kurth.

Craig Lee joined Hunton Andrews Kurth this week as a partner in its competition and consumer protection practice in Washington, D.C.

Lee, who formerly led the global cartel task force at Baker Mckenzie, will now head the cartel and antitrust investigations team at his new firm.

Lee said he was drawn to Hunton because of its history of antitrust work and its desire to grow and develop a dynamic practice. He said he has known and respected Hunton since his days at the Department of Justice, where he was an assistant chief and a prosecutor in the antitrust division from 2003 to 2016.

"Craig is one of the most well-regarded leaders of the global cartel bar, as well as a highly decorated former federal prosecutor," said Ryan Phair, head of Hunton's competition and consumer protection practice, in a statement. "His addition will allow us to continue to expand our rapidly growing team of accomplished antitrust lawyers and provide comprehensive and robust service to our clients facing cartel investigations and litigation."

Lee said the cartel and antitrust investigations team will look to add talented people wherever they can be found—from government and from the private sector. He said the opportunity to build and lead the practice helped propel his move Baker McKenzie to Hunton.

Baker McKenzie has undergone several leadership changes this summer, including naming a new D.C. managing partner, Maurice Bellan, in July and having its former D.C. managing partner Ted Murphy leave for Sidley Austin. Lee said the leadership changes at Baker had "nothing to do with" his decision to change firms.

Lee's cartel work focuses on two main elements: compliance and defending companies in criminal antitrust investigations. With new antitrust compliance guidelines arriving this past summer and enforcement threats always present, Lee said he sees no lack of business on the horizon.