Profile of The Brattle Group

Overview and History

The Brattle Group is a global economic consulting firm renowned for its expertise in economics, finance, and regulatory matters, as well as its prominent litigation support and expert testimony services. Founded in 1990 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the firm began as a small five-person outfit located on Brattle Street in Harvard Square. One of the co-founders was MIT finance professor Stewart C. Myers, reflecting the firm’s strong academic roots. In its early years, The Brattle Group established a reputation for rigorous economic analysis and clear communication of complex ideas – traits that would become its hallmark.

By the mid-1990s, the firm was expanding both its capabilities and geographic reach. In 1995, The Brattle Group merged with Incentives Research, Inc., a boutique specializing in energy economics, to strengthen its expertise in the energy sector. This move set the stage for Brattle’s growth in utility and environmental economics. In 1996, noted energy economist Peter Fox-Penner joined and helped launch the Washington, D.C. office, anchoring the firm’s presence in regulatory and energy policy circles. The late 1990s saw international expansion: in 1997 Brattle opened its first European office in London, signaling its intent to compete in global markets.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, The Brattle Group continued to grow steadily. It opened additional U.S. offices in New York and San Francisco to better serve financial and tech sector clients, and expanded in Europe with offices in Madrid and Rome to support work in continental Europe. By the late 2010s, the firm further enlarged its footprint: a Sydney office opened in 2016 to cover the Asia-Pacific region, and a Brussels office opened in 2019, reflecting Brattle’s strength in antitrust and competition economics in the EU. In 2022, Brattle added a Paris office (its fifth in Europe) to enhance its capabilities in international arbitration and competition matters. The firm’s headquarters moved from Cambridge to a larger space in Boston in 2017, underscoring its growth.

Key figures have guided Brattle’s development over the years. M. Alexis Maniatis, who joined in 1991, served multiple terms as President and even as Chairman, overseeing much of the firm’s global expansion in the 2000s and 2010s. Under Maniatis’s leadership, Brattle cultivated an inclusive, academically oriented culture and opened several new offices. In recent years, leadership transitioned to a new generation: as of mid-2020s, Torben Voetmann serves as the firm’s President (and a Principal consultant), and Evan Cohen is Chairman of the Board – both long-time Brattle principals. Throughout its history, The Brattle Group has remained a private partnership owned by its Principals, allowing it to chart an independent course and reinvest in expertise. From a handful of consultants in 1990, Brattle has grown to around 500 professionals globally as of 2025, while staying true to its original mission of delivering clear, credible economic insights.

Services and Areas of Specialization

The Brattle Group’s core service offerings center on economic consulting and expert testimony. This means the firm is hired to analyze complex problems at the intersection of economics, finance, and regulation, and to communicate findings to clients or in legal/regulatory proceedings. Brattle’s consultants often work in small teams to tackle these problems, applying advanced analytical techniques and deep industry knowledge. A distinguishing feature of Brattle’s work is its dual focus: consulting projects (advisory analyses, reports, strategy studies) and litigation support (developing expert reports, economic models, and testimony for court or arbitration cases). In both realms, the firm emphasizes rigorous, data-driven analysis and “clarity in the face of complexity” – the ability to distill complex economic concepts into clear, actionable insights.

Consulting Methodologies and Project Approach: Brattle projects typically involve building quantitative models and leveraging economics theory to answer practical questions. The firm is known for its state-of-the-art use of data analytics, econometrics, and financial modeling. Consultants might construct cash-flow models to value businesses or assets, perform statistical analyses to detect antitrust price-fixing, or simulate electricity markets to evaluate the impact of new energy policies. The Brattle Group often pairs its in-house consultants with leading academics and industry experts. In fact, many Brattle Principals are themselves PhD economists or seasoned industry specialists, and the firm maintains close affiliations with Nobel laureates and prominent scholars. This collaborative approach ensures that each project’s methodology stands on solid theoretical ground while also reflecting real-world conditions.

During engagements, Brattle consultants follow a research-oriented approach: gathering and cleaning large datasets, using tools like regression analysis or machine learning when appropriate, and testing economic hypotheses relevant to the client’s question. Quality control and peer review are built into the process, with senior experts providing guidance. Because a significant portion of Brattle’s work ends up in legal or regulatory forums, effective communication is a priority. The firm prides itself on writing clear expert reports and creating visuals that make complex results understandable to judges, juries, regulators, and corporate decision-makers. Many Brattle projects culminate in expert witness testimony, so consultants often help prepare clear narrative explanations and anticipate cross-examination questions. This methodological rigor and emphasis on clarity have given Brattle’s analyses a strong reputation for credibility in high-stakes settings.

Areas of Specialization: Over the decades, The Brattle Group has developed a broad array of practice areas and industry specializations. Its expertise spans virtually all sectors where economics and finance are applied to real-world issues. Major practice areas and industries served include:

Energy and Utilities: Brattle is particularly renowned in the energy sector. The firm advises electric and gas utilities, power generators, grid operators, and regulators on issues such as utility rate design, power market modeling, renewable energy integration, and climate change policy. Brattle experts have played key roles in electricity market restructuring and have testified in numerous utility regulatory proceedings. The firm also handles environmental economics matters – for example, valuing environmental damages, analyzing the cost-benefit of emissions regulations, and supporting litigation related to climate policy or natural resource damages.
Antitrust and Competition: Economic analysis of competition is a core Brattle competency. The firm frequently works on antitrust cases, providing analysis on mergers, monopolization allegations, price-fixing cartels, and market competition questions. Brattle’s competition economists assess market definition, measure market power, and quantify damages from anti-competitive behavior. With offices in Brussels, London, and now Paris, Brattle has a strong presence in EU competition matters, and its experts (including former regulators and noted academics) have testified before the European Commission and U.S. antitrust authorities alike. This area often overlaps with telecommunications and technology, where Brattle examines competition in digital markets, telecom mergers, and tech antitrust cases.
Financial Institutions and Securities: The Brattle Group serves banks, insurance companies, asset managers, and regulators in matters of finance and valuation. Its consultants include financial economists who analyze issues like securities fraud, asset valuation, risk management, and banking regulation. Brattle often provides expert testimony in finance-related litigation – for example, valuing complex derivatives in lawsuits, analyzing whether stock price movements reflect alleged misrepresentations, or opining on banking industry customs in regulatory inquiries. The firm also has a tax and transfer pricing practice (bolstered by hires like a leading transfer pricing expert in 2025) that supports multinational corporations in tax disputes.
Telecommunications, Media, and Technology: Brattle has expertise in telecom economics and has advised on regulatory policy for telecom carriers, spectrum auctions, and broadband deployment. In tech and media, Brattle’s work includes intellectual property (IP) disputes – calculating damages for patent or copyright infringement, valuing technology assets, and analyzing markets for software, semiconductors, and digital media. The firm’s consultants have, for instance, supported clients in major smartphone patent litigations and software antitrust cases, bringing economic evidence to bear on these technically complex disputes.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: In pharmaceuticals and healthcare, The Brattle Group provides economic analysis on issues such as drug patent litigation (assessing lost profits or reasonable royalties), healthcare antitrust mergers (hospital or insurer mergers), and regulatory matters like pricing of pharmaceuticals or cost-benefit of health policies. The firm’s economists have experience with the intricacies of healthcare markets and often work for law firms or government agencies in these cases.
Other Industries: The firm’s breadth extends to sectors like infrastructure and transportation (e.g. analysis of airports, rail, and toll roads projects), sports economics (valuing sports franchises or analyzing antitrust issues in sports leagues), consumer products (product liability economic impact, false advertising claims), and more. Because Brattle focuses on analytical problem-solving, it can apply its methodologies to niche industries as well. For example, Brattle was hired by the state of Massachusetts to evaluate the feasibility and economic impact of a Boston Olympic Games bid, a project that required modeling complex costs and benefits for the sports and tourism sectors. In international arenas, Brattle is also active in international arbitration, where it quantifies damages in disputes between investors and states (covering industries from mining to telecom). In sum, The Brattle Group’s specializations cover the full spectrum of economic consulting, from energy and environment to antitrust, finance, tech, health care, and beyond, making it a versatile advisor in many fields.

Organizational Structure and Key Leadership

The Brattle Group operates as a partnership-style organization, owned and led by its senior professionals. The firm’s leadership structure is relatively flat and focused on expertise. The top tier of the firm is comprised of Principals, who are highly experienced consultants (often with PhDs or decades of industry experience) and typically serve as project leaders and expert witnesses. The Principals collectively share ownership of the firm and form its leadership core. Among them, Brattle selects a President and a Board Chair to manage overall strategy and operations.

As of 2025, Torben Voetmann is the firm’s President. In this role, he functions similarly to a CEO – guiding Brattle’s strategic direction, overseeing major client engagements, and ensuring quality standards. Dr. Voetmann is also an active consulting Principal in the firm’s finance practice, exemplifying Brattle’s tradition of leaders who remain involved in casework. The Chairman of the Board is Evan Cohen, another long-serving Principal, who leads the board of directors in providing governance and representing the Principals’ interests. The board includes other senior Principals and helps shape decisions on firm growth, investments, and policy.

Historically, M. Alexis Maniatis was a pivotal leader – he served multiple terms as President and one term as Board Chairman during the 2000s and 2010s, before returning full-time to consulting. Under Maniatis’s leadership, Brattle solidified its position as a top-tier economic consultancy and expanded globally. Another influential figure is Michael Cragg, who has chaired the board in the past and contributed to the firm’s direction in finance and climate economics areas.

The founders and early advisors of The Brattle Group also set the tone for its culture. Co-founder Stewart C. Myers (the MIT professor of finance) remains a Principal and is considered one of the world’s leading finance scholars; his presence linked the firm to top academic thinking from the start. Nobel Prize-winning economists Daniel McFadden and Joseph Stiglitz have been affiliated with Brattle as expert witnesses and consultants in major cases, lending additional prestige and insight. Their involvement reflects the firm’s model of drawing on prominent experts for specialized matters. Other key senior experts include long-time Principals like Frank Graves and Ahmad Faruqui (known for work in energy economics), Paul Carpenter and Judy Chang (leading figures in utilities and climate policy), and Lauren Stiroh (an expert in financial economics and a former leader of Brattle’s New York office). These individuals, among others, have helped Brattle develop deep benches of expertise in their respective domains.

Organizationally, below the Principal level, Brattle’s structure is straightforward. It follows a three-tier consulting hierarchy:

Research Analysts (RAs): Typically hired straight from top undergraduate programs, RAs form the entry level. They handle data analysis, research tasks, and modeling under the guidance of senior staff. Brattle’s RAs are often economics, math, or finance majors with strong analytical skills. They are critical members of project teams and often get significant responsibility early, such as building sections of models or drafting figures for reports. Many RAs stay for 2-4 years before pursuing graduate degrees (with several returning to Brattle after completing a Ph.D. or MBA).
Associates: This mid-level role usually consists of individuals with advanced degrees (PhD economists, MBAs, or experienced Masters-level analysts) or RAs who have been promoted. Associates take on more complex analytical work and project management. They might design the structure of an economic model, draft substantial portions of expert reports, and supervise RAs. Associates also begin to interact more with clients and support Principals in developing case strategy. In some firms these might be subdivided into Senior Associate or Consultant titles; at Brattle the exact title remains “Associate,” but experience levels can vary. Many Associates eventually grow into testifying experts in narrower fields or progress toward Principal roles.
Principals: As noted, Principals are the senior consulting staff who lead projects, cultivate client relationships, and often serve as the expert witnesses who testify in court or regulatory hearings. Becoming a Principal at Brattle is akin to making partner at a law firm or a strategy consulting firm. Principals not only have deep technical expertise but also are responsible for business development and mentoring junior staff. By 2025, Brattle has on the order of 60+ Principals worldwide, covering diverse practice areas. Some Principals hold firm-wide leadership positions (such as office heads or practice area leaders). They meet regularly to discuss firm management, and the most senior among them hold the executive roles described earlier.

In addition to the consulting staff, Brattle has professional support teams (finance, HR, IT, marketing). Notably, Sarah Egan, the Vice President of Human Resources, and others in operations ensure the firm runs smoothly, but these roles support the consultants who are the core of the business. The relatively small size of non-consulting staff and the single profit-center model means the firm fosters a highly collegial atmosphere – consultants across all levels and offices collaborate as one global team rather than competing units.

Global Operations and Offices

The Brattle Group has evolved into a global firm with a presence across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. As of 2025, Brattle maintains 11 offices worldwide and serves clients on a truly international scale. The geographic spread of its offices is designed to be close to major financial centers, legal markets, and government hubs:

North America: Brattle is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, which remains a major center for the firm’s leadership and home to many experts (Boston’s proximity to Harvard and MIT is a strategic advantage for recruiting talent). Other U.S. offices include Washington, D.C., which anchors Brattle’s work with federal agencies and houses many energy and finance experts; New York City, in the heart of Manhattan, serving the financial industry and handling many securities and IP cases; San Francisco, California, serving West Coast technology and energy clients; and Chicago, Illinois, which opened in 2019 to better serve Midwestern clients in sectors like utilities, agribusiness, and antitrust litigation. In Canada, Brattle operates a Toronto office, reflecting Toronto’s role as a financial center and hub for mining and infrastructure disputes.
Europe: The firm has a strong European presence with multiple offices. Brattle’s London office (opened 1997) was its first foray abroad and handles a broad range of matters from UK regulatory cases to international arbitrations. In continental Europe, Brattle established offices in Madrid, Spain, and Rome, Italy during the 2000s, initially to support energy and competition assignments in those regions. The Brussels, Belgium office (opened 2019) was a strategic addition, giving Brattle a base in the EU’s competition capital; from Brussels, the firm engages directly with European Commission cases and EU regulatory policy work. In Paris, France, Brattle launched a new office in late 2022 – its fifth European location – focusing on arbitration and competition economics (Paris is a global hub for international arbitration). These European offices allow Brattle to provide face-to-face support to clients and regulators across the EU and UK, with teams fluent in local languages and adept in both EU and national economic frameworks.
Asia-Pacific: Brattle’s primary foothold in the Asia-Pacific region is through its Sydney, Australia office, which opened in 2016. The Sydney team caters to matters in Australia and the broader region, such as electricity market design for Australian utilities, mining sector disputes, and competition cases in Asia-Pacific markets. While Sydney is the only physical office in the region, The Brattle Group serves all of Asia by leveraging its global staff – for instance, sending experts to work on cases in East Asia or collaborating with local partners. Brattle consultants have engaged in projects in China, Japan, Singapore, India, and other countries on an as-needed basis, even without permanent offices there. The firm’s global reach is also evident in its international arbitration work, which often involves disputes in Asia or Africa arbitrated in global forums (Brattle experts travel to wherever needed).

Across all these offices, The Brattle Group emphasizes a unified culture and a “one-firm” approach. Consultants often collaborate across offices depending on expertise – a New York finance expert might work on a case with a London competition economist and a Sydney energy specialist if a client’s problem spans those domains. The firm provides local support with a global perspective, meaning each office understands its regional market but can draw on the collective experience of colleagues worldwide. Communication is facilitated via regular global practice meetings and an internal knowledge-sharing system, so that methodologies and insights developed in one region inform work in another.

By 2025, Brattle’s international operations account for a substantial portion of its engagements. Whether it’s advising a European utility, testifying in a U.S. antitrust trial, or supporting an Asian-Pacific infrastructure project, The Brattle Group has built the infrastructure to operate seamlessly across borders. This global presence not only helps serve clients wherever they are, but also gives Brattle insights into cross-jurisdictional issues – such as how different regulatory regimes compare or how global economic trends (like decarbonization or digital transformation) impact industries in various regions.

Career Path and Compensation

Career progression at The Brattle Group is well-defined and rewarding, attracting top talent interested in both analytical rigor and impactful work. As mentioned, the firm’s consulting ladder has three primary levels: Research Analyst, Associate, and Principal. Each level offers opportunities for growth, greater responsibility, and correspondingly higher compensation.

Research Analysts (RAs): New hires with undergraduate degrees join as RAs and immediately become integral parts of case teams. An RA’s career progression involves developing strong quantitative skills, industry knowledge, and consulting acumen. Brattle provides extensive training for RAs, including in-house “Brattle Academy” sessions on economics topics, technical skills like coding and statistical software, and communication workshops. RAs are typically expected to spend around 2 to 4 years in the role. Many RAs choose to attend graduate school after a few years – Brattle supports this by offering mentorship for those applying to PhD or MBA programs, and sometimes providing tuition assistance or sponsored leave for particularly strong performers. High-performing RAs who wish to stay can be promoted internally (some may rise to a Senior Research Analyst role, taking on more project management, before moving up to Associate if they obtain further credentials or experience).
Associates: At the Associate level, consultants start to take ownership of significant pieces of client work. Many Associates at Brattle have PhDs in economics/finance or J.D. degrees (for those doing more legal-oriented work), or MBAs for certain financial consulting tracks. Some are promoted former RAs who earned a Master’s and returned. Associates are groomed to be the next generation of testifying experts and firm leaders. They typically lead substantive analysis, supervise RAs, and work closely with Principals on project execution. Over time, Associates build depth in specific practice areas (for example, an Associate might specialize in electricity market modeling or antitrust econometrics). Brattle emphasizes professional development: Associates receive mentorship from Principals and are often encouraged to publish or present at conferences in their field to build credentials. Advancement from Associate to Principal is based on a combination of technical excellence, the ability to attract and retain clients, and leadership skills. It usually takes several years (commonly 5-8 years as an Associate, though it can vary widely) to be considered for Principal.
Principals: When consultants reach the Principal level, they are recognized as firm leaders and experts in their domains. Principals at The Brattle Group not only handle complex analyses but also frequently serve as the designated expert witnesses in litigation or as lead advisors in consulting engagements. They are responsible for signing expert reports, giving deposition and trial testimony, and standing behind the firm’s work in high-profile forums. Many Principals maintain close ties to academia (some are adjunct professors or publish in academic journals) which bolsters their expert credentials. Brattle Principals also engage in business development by cultivating relationships with law firms, corporations, and government agencies; they often bring in new cases through reputation and networking. Leadership roles like office director or practice area head are typically held by Principals. Career progression does not stop at Principal – within the Principal group there is ongoing growth, including increasing equity stakes in the firm and potential election to the Board or executive positions. Some particularly distinguished Principals are viewed as Senior Principals or Managing Directors, though Brattle tends not to use too many formal sub-titles.

Compensation at The Brattle Group is highly competitive, designed to attract top-tier talent and reward performance. While exact figures can vary year to year and by location, the firm offers a combination of a strong base salary, annual performance bonuses, and for senior staff, profit-sharing or equity incentives. In the United States, an entry-level Research Analyst in 2025 can expect a base salary in roughly the high $70,000s to $90,000 range per year, with potential bonuses bringing total compensation into the low six figures for top performers. This is on par with or above many other economic consulting firms and reflects the demanding analytical work RAs perform. Associates in the U.S. often have base salaries in the low-to-mid six figures (for example, an Associate with a PhD might have a base salary around $150–$200K), with substantial annual bonuses that depend on individual and firm performance. Associates who excel and contribute significantly to successful cases can see total pay well into the high $200K+ range.

Principals and testifying experts command the highest compensation, commensurate with their responsibility and revenue generation. A Brattle Principal’s compensation typically includes base pay and a share of profits; their total annual earnings can range from several hundred thousand dollars to over one million dollars for the most sought-after experts. Those Principals who testify in big-ticket litigations may bill high hourly rates for their time (often hundreds per hour, occasionally $1000+ per hour for eminent specialists), which is factored into firm revenues and thus into their pay. The firm’s partnership model means Principals benefit directly from the firm’s success: in strong years or high-profile cases, bonuses can be very significant.

In international offices, Brattle adjusts compensation to local market levels while keeping it generous to attract talent. For instance, a Research Analyst in London might earn around £45,000–£55,000 as a starting salary (which is considered quite strong in the UK for the field), and would also be eligible for bonuses. In Europe and Australia, base salaries are often slightly lower in dollar terms than the U.S., but when adjusted for cost of living and purchasing power, Brattle ensures its employees are paid at the top of the local ranges. Furthermore, the firm tends to equalize the bonus opportunity globally – outstanding performance is rewarded whether the consultant is in Boston or Madrid. Associates in Europe (Paris, London, etc.) might have base salaries in the range of €100,000–€150,000 (or local currency equivalent), again supplemented by bonuses. Principals in international offices are similarly on a partner profit-share, so their compensation can reach high six or seven figures in local currency, aligning with their U.S. counterparts when considering global parity. Notably, Brattle’s Principals in Europe, being key expert witnesses in major EU cases or international arbitrations, are compensated to reflect the high stakes of those engagements.

Beyond salary, The Brattle Group offers a comprehensive benefits package and perks to its staff. Employees have access to health insurance, retirement savings plans (with company contributions), and generous paid leave. The firm emphasizes work-life balance where possible: for example, it provides flexible working arrangements, wellness benefits, and policies like sabbaticals for long-tenured employees. In some offices, especially during less busy periods, Brattle is known for a relatively reasonable approach to hours compared to other consultancies – although peaks can be intense when court deadlines loom. The firm’s culture is often described as intellectual and collegial, which itself is a draw for recruits. There is a conscious effort to maintain a supportive environment: new hires are paired with mentors, there are regular social events, and internal committees work on initiatives related to diversity and inclusion, ensuring the workplace is welcoming and inclusive across all offices.

In summary, a career at The Brattle Group offers a clear advancement path from junior analyst to seasoned expert, with growing responsibilities and rewards at each step. The combination of challenging work, strong professional development, and lucrative compensation has made Brattle a sought-after employer in the consulting industry (the firm consistently appears in industry rankings such as Vault’s “Consulting 50” list of top firms to work for, and was named among Forbes’ Best Management Consulting Firms in 2025). Many employees build long-term careers at Brattle, while others leverage the experience to move into academia, industry roles, or public service – a testament to the valuable skills and reputation one gains at the firm.

Client Base and Typical Engagements

The Brattle Group’s clients span a wide spectrum, but they share a common theme: they turn to Brattle when facing complex questions or disputes that require rigorous economic and financial analysis. Broadly, Brattle’s clientele includes law firms, corporations, governments, and regulatory agencies, as well as industry associations and non-profits on occasion. Each of these client types engages Brattle in somewhat different ways:

Law Firms: A significant portion of Brattle’s work comes through major law firms involved in litigation or regulatory proceedings. In these cases, the law firm represents an end-client (which could be a corporation, a government agency, or a group of plaintiffs/defendants) and brings in Brattle as outside experts. For example, if a law firm is defending a tech company in an antitrust lawsuit, they might hire Brattle to analyze market competition and have a Brattle economist serve as an expert witness. Brattle has worked with 80% of the Am Law 100 (the 100 largest law firms in the U.S.), indicating how frequently top lawyers rely on its services. Typical engagements via law firms include antitrust litigation (merger challenges, monopolization cases), intellectual property lawsuits (patent infringement damages, trade secret cases), securities litigation (class actions alleging stock price manipulation or fraud), contract disputes (where an economist might calculate lost profits), and regulatory hearings (such as utility rate cases or environmental regulation disputes). In these matters, Brattle’s role is to provide independent analysis and testimony that supports the legal arguments of the client’s counsel.
Corporations and Businesses: Companies in many industries hire The Brattle Group directly for consulting projects outside of a litigation context or sometimes in anticipation of one. This could involve strategic economic analysis, regulatory advice, or internal investigations. For instance, an energy company might engage Brattle to model how a new climate policy will impact its generation assets, using the results to guide investment decisions and also to communicate with regulators. A Fortune 100 company could ask Brattle to perform a valuation of a subsidiary or intellectual property portfolio as part of strategic planning. Financial institutions might seek Brattle’s advice on risk management models or to assess the economic impact of proposed financial regulations. Brattle’s consultants also perform market studies and economic impact analyses for corporations – e.g. analyzing how a new technology will affect market prices, or assessing the economic footprint of a company’s operations in a region. Because Brattle is known for objective analysis, corporations sometimes use its reports to bolster their positions with regulators, investors, or the public. About 50% of Fortune 100 companies have been Brattle clients, showing the trust big businesses place in the firm’s expertise.
Government Agencies and Public Institutions: Brattle frequently works for federal, state, and international government bodies. In the U.S., this includes agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and state public utility commissions, among others. For example, the DOJ Antitrust Division has brought in Brattle teams to support major monopoly or merger cases (where Brattle provides data analysis and expert testimony for the government’s side). State utility regulators might hire Brattle to independently evaluate a utility’s rate increase request or to design better market mechanisms for electricity. The firm also supports central banks and finance ministries on policy questions – such as analyzing the economic effects of banking regulations or advising on auction design for spectrum or resources. Internationally, Brattle experts have been retained by the European Commission’s competition authorities, by the World Bank and other multilaterals for economic studies, and by foreign government ministries on matters like energy market reforms or damage assessments following environmental incidents. When working for public-sector clients, Brattle maintains objectivity and often its findings are made public, contributing to policy discussions.
Industry Associations and Non-Profits: On occasion, trade associations or non-profit organizations seek Brattle’s analysis to advance an industry perspective or public interest argument. For instance, a telecommunications industry association might commission Brattle to study the economic benefits of a new broadband expansion policy, producing a report that the association can use in advocacy. Environmental NGOs might collaborate with Brattle economists to quantify the social cost of carbon emissions or the benefits of conservation programs, lending credibility to their initiatives. These projects can involve extensive data gathering and are sometimes published as white papers or presented in regulatory comment proceedings.

The types of engagements The Brattle Group handles are diverse, but typically they can be categorized as follows:

Litigation and Dispute Support: This includes all work related to legal cases – preparing expert witness reports, rebuttal reports, trial exhibits, and testimony. A concrete example is Brattle’s work in a large antitrust trial: the firm will gather market data, run econometric models to test whether a company’s conduct harmed competition, write a detailed report, and then the Brattle expert will testify in court explaining the analysis. Similarly, in an international arbitration between an investor and a state (for instance, over an expropriation of an asset), Brattle might be engaged to calculate the fair market value of the asset and lost profits, which becomes key evidence in the arbitration hearing. Brattle’s dispute work spans antitrust, IP, contract disputes, tax disputes, bankruptcy cases (valuing claims and assets in insolvency), and more. The firm’s credibility in these settings is such that its analyses have often been cited approvingly by courts or used as the basis for settlements.
Regulatory and Policy Consulting: Outside the courtroom, Brattle frequently advises on regulatory policy design and evaluation. In energy, for example, Brattle might help a power market operator design auctions for electricity capacity, or assist a state in crafting incentive programs for renewable energy. In finance, Brattle might evaluate the impact of a proposed banking rule on lending. These projects often result in reports or presentations to regulators and sometimes expert testimony in public hearings. Brattle consultants are known for their ability to navigate the intersection of economics and public policy, providing guidance that is technically sound yet pragmatic. For instance, Brattle has been involved in designing carbon pricing mechanisms and assessing the economic impact of environmental regulations, guiding policy with quantitative insight.
Strategic Decision Support and Valuation: Companies sometimes enlist Brattle for one-off analyses to inform internal decisions. This could involve valuation of a business unit or an asset (using techniques like discounted cash flow, option pricing models, etc.), analysis of competitive position in a market, or cost-benefit analyses of different strategic options. For example, a utility considering whether to retire a coal plant might ask Brattle to analyze the financial and market implications under various future scenarios (fuel prices, carbon regulations, etc.). Similarly, a tech company evaluating a merger might use Brattle’s economists to simulate how the merger would affect prices and innovation. While this kind of work doesn’t always end up in the public eye, it’s crucial for the clients’ strategic planning. Brattle’s quantitative rigor ensures that corporate decisions are backed by solid evidence and scenario testing.
Research Studies and Thought Leadership Projects: Occasionally, Brattle is engaged in broad research endeavors – either commissioned by a client or self-initiated – that contribute to thought leadership. One notable example is the 2023 study on reparations for transatlantic slavery: Brattle consultants, collaborating with academics, produced a landmark report estimating financial reparations (they calculated figures exceeding $100 trillion for harms of slavery and its aftermath). This study was presented at an academic forum and garnered international attention, highlighting Brattle’s ability to tackle socially significant questions with robust analysis. Another example is Brattle’s involvement in climate change economics: the firm has published studies on the economics of decarbonizing buildings (in partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) and on efficient electric grid planning for high renewable energy scenarios. These engagements enhance the firm’s profile and often contribute to public discourse.

Across these engagements, The Brattle Group is typically characterized as providing independent, objective analysis. Even when hired by an advocate (such as a law firm or corporation), Brattle’s experts are expected to maintain credibility by sticking to evidence and sound economic reasoning. This balanced approach has led to judges and regulators finding Brattle’s work reliable. In fact, Brattle’s analyses in some cases have been upheld even under intense scrutiny from opposing experts. For instance, in a notable patent infringement case (Wirtgen v. Caterpillar), Brattle’s damages analysis withstood legal challenges and was largely accepted by the court. Such outcomes have reinforced the firm’s standing and lead to a virtuous cycle: satisfied clients (be it attorneys, companies, or government officials) return to Brattle for future needs, knowing they’ll get a top-quality work product that holds up under pressure.

Notable Projects and Cases

Over its history, The Brattle Group has contributed to many high-profile and precedent-setting cases and projects. These illustrate the firm’s range and impact. Below are some notable examples of Brattle’s work that the firm is recognized for:

Major Antitrust Litigation: Brattle has been at the forefront of some of the biggest antitrust cases in recent times. For example, Brattle teams supported the U.S. Department of Justice in its antitrust suit against Google’s advertising technology business (a high-profile case in 2025). Brattle economists helped DOJ analyze complex ad exchange markets and provided expert testimony to demonstrate how Google’s conduct may have harmed competition and publishers. In another landmark case, US Airways v. Sabre, Brattle experts (including Nobel laureates Joseph Stiglitz and Daniel McFadden) testified on behalf of US Airways, analyzing the monopolistic practices in airline ticket distribution. Their involvement brought significant economic weight to the case. Brattle’s ability to bring academic star power into litigation was also evident when Professor Stiglitz was engaged in a class action against a major bank, or when Professor McFadden offered econometric analysis in a large consumer class action – these instances underscored Brattle’s reputation for top-tier antitrust and class-action testimony.
Energy Sector Landmark Cases: In the energy industry, Brattle has played key roles in critical events. During the California Energy Crisis of 2000-2001, Brattle experts were involved in analyzing market manipulation in the electricity sector (several Brattle consultants provided analysis to regulators examining the Enron debacle and proposed remedies to prevent future crises). The firm has also been deeply involved in utility bankruptcy and restructuring cases – for instance, Brattle advised in the PG&E bankruptcy related to wildfire liabilities, quantifying claims and analyzing restructuring plans for the court. Moreover, Brattle consultants have testified in numerous state utility commission dockets on issues like setting the cost of capital for utilities, designing fair electricity rates, and evaluating large infrastructure investments (such as new transmission lines or power plants). A notable project in this arena was Brattle’s work on coal plant retirements and transition strategies: Brattle was hired by a consortium of utilities and regulators to devise economically sound plans for phasing out coal-fired power while maintaining grid reliability and minimizing costs to consumers. The resulting Brattle analyses have been influential in shaping transition policies in several states.
Intellectual Property and Technology Cases: The Brattle Group has a strong track record in IP litigation, often involving massive stakes. In one prominent example, Brattle supported Samsung’s defense in a $4 billion semiconductor patent lawsuit (announced in 2025). Brattle’s team provided a complex damages analysis that helped refute the plaintiff’s inflated claims, and the successful defense saved Samsung billions. Another case was Wirtgen vs. Caterpillar, a patent infringement dispute over heavy machinery: Brattle was retained by Wirtgen to calculate lost profits and reasonable royalties, and their expert’s testimony was upheld by the court, ultimately informing the damages awarded. Brattle has also weighed in on FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory) royalty disputes in the telecom industry – for instance, determining the appropriate royalty rates for standard-essential patents in smartphone technology. These technology cases often hinge on both technical understanding and economic valuation, a combination Brattle is well-equipped to handle.
Financial Crises and Securities Cases: Following the 2008 financial crisis, Brattle was involved in various litigation and regulatory investigations concerning mortgage-backed securities and derivatives. Brattle experts provided analysis in cases determining whether investors were misled about mortgage bond risks, often parsing through troves of loan data to assess the quality and default probabilities. The firm also contributed to the Credit Crisis Inquiry Commission via expert white papers on the causes of the financial crisis. In terms of litigation, Brattle economists have served as experts in numerous securities class action lawsuits, helping to determine if and how stock price drops were caused by alleged fraud or misstatements. For example, Brattle was involved in the high-profile class action against Petrobras (the Brazilian oil company) related to corruption disclosures, where a Brattle expert quantified investor losses attributable to the revelations. In the banking realm, Brattle testified in cases involving LIBOR manipulation, providing insight into how benchmark rate manipulation could impact financial markets and counterparties.
Global Arbitration and Treaty Disputes: The Brattle Group has become a familiar name in international arbitration circles. Its experts have been engaged in investor-state disputes at forums like ICSID and ICC, often involving expropriation claims or contract breaches by governments. A notable case was an arbitration where a renewable energy investor sued a European government over retroactive subsidy cuts; Brattle quantified the lost revenues and asset value, contributing to a significant award for the investor. In another instance, Brattle economists helped an Asian government defend against a multi-billion dollar claim by a foreign mining company, showing that the company’s valuation was overly optimistic and that the actual economic impact of the government’s action was far lower. These sensitive international cases require both technical expertise and diplomatic acumen, given their intersection with public policy – Brattle’s balanced analyses have been well-regarded in these settings.
Public Sector and Policy Studies: Not all of Brattle’s notable work is adversarial. The firm has also conducted influential studies that shape policy. For example, Brattle’s report on the economic impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the U.S. (a program to subsidize internet access for low-income households) provided evidence that the benefits of broadband connectivity far exceed the program’s costs, helping secure support for its continuation and expansion. In the environmental arena, Brattle consultants published a widely cited study on how energy efficiency and electrification in buildings can significantly cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; this study, done in partnership with a national lab, has been referenced in policymaking for building codes and climate legislation. Additionally, Brattle’s work on behalf of Massachusetts’ 2024 Olympic bid (analyzing the feasibility and economic trade-offs) was highly publicized – Brattle’s independent assessment was crucial in the state’s decision-making process, demonstrating transparency and thoroughness in evaluating a major public project.

Each of these examples highlights different facets of The Brattle Group’s capabilities – whether saving a client billions in a lawsuit, informing policy that affects millions of people, or advancing the state of knowledge on important economic questions. The firm’s ability to handle such a variety of high-profile assignments has cemented its status as one of the leading economic consultancies worldwide. Often, Brattle’s name appears in press coverage of major trials or policy debates, attesting to its role behind the scenes. And even when working discretely (many corporate advisory projects are confidential), the outcomes – such as successful mergers, effective regulations, or prudent corporate strategies – speak to Brattle’s influence.

Thought Leadership and Industry Contributions

Beyond its direct client work, The Brattle Group actively contributes to thought leadership in economics, finance, and industry-specific fields. The firm and its consultants engage with the broader academic and professional community in several ways:

Publishing and Research: Brattle consultants frequently author articles, working papers, and reports on cutting-edge topics. Many Principals continue to publish in peer-reviewed academic journals, leveraging ongoing case experience to inform scholarly work. For instance, Brattle experts have published research on optimal electricity market design, advanced valuation techniques, and competition policy. The firm also produces its own white papers and studies; these are often made publicly available through the Publications section of Brattle’s website. Recent examples include analyses of the future of the electric grid under high renewable penetration, reports on the economics of broadband deployment, and studies on cryptocurrency markets and regulation. By sharing knowledge, Brattle helps shape industry best practices and policy discussions. One notable tradition is the Brattle Prize in Corporate Finance: each year, The Brattle Group sponsors prizes (including a first prize and runner-up prizes) for the best papers in corporate finance published in the Journal of Finance. These prizes are awarded at the American Finance Association’s annual meeting, highlighting Brattle’s commitment to recognizing and incentivizing excellent academic research. Winning a Brattle Prize is considered a significant honor in finance academia, and this long-running sponsorship (since the 1990s) underlines the firm’s deep ties to academic finance.
Academic Partnerships and Education: The firm maintains close partnerships with academia. Many of Brattle’s senior professionals hold affiliations such as adjunct professorships or lecturing positions at universities. For example, several Principals teach courses at institutions like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and other top schools in areas of finance, law and economics, or energy policy. This not only keeps Brattle at the forefront of new ideas but also provides a pipeline for recruiting talented graduates. Brattle also collaborates with university research centers on special projects. A case in point is the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory collaboration, where Brattle and LBNL experts jointly produced a study on building electrification – combining academic rigor with industry data. Additionally, Brattle supports academic conferences and workshops; it has sponsored seminars in areas like econometrics, energy economics, and antitrust economics. By facilitating dialogue between practitioners and academics, Brattle helps ensure that theoretical advances inform practical solutions and vice versa.
The Brattle Exchange (Podcast and Discussions): In recent years, The Brattle Group launched The Brattle Exchange, a podcast and forum platform where its experts discuss current issues and share insights with a wider audience. Episodes have featured Brattle consultants interviewing industry leaders or other experts on topics like the transformation of the electric grid, developments in antitrust law (such as debates on Big Tech regulation), or the economics of climate change. This initiative demonstrates Brattle’s effort to make complex economic issues accessible to professionals and the interested public. The firm’s consultants are also active on the conference circuit – they often appear as speakers or panelists at industry conferences (for example, energy Principals speaking at utility regulatory conferences, or competition economists presenting at antitrust law events). These thought leadership activities serve to both market the firm’s expertise and contribute substantively to professional education in these fields.
Industry Committees and Advisory Roles: Brattle experts often serve in respected industry roles. Some Principals sit on advisory committees for government agencies or think tanks, lending their expertise to shape policy in an advisory (non-partisan) capacity. For instance, a Brattle Principal might be invited to join a National Academy of Sciences committee on electricity system resilience, or an SEC advisory panel on emerging risks in financial markets. Others are involved in professional organizations: Brattle consultants have held leadership positions in groups like the American Economic Association, International Association for Energy Economics, and American Bar Association’s economics committees. Serving in these roles, they help set research agendas and standards for analysis in their industries.
Contributions to Professional Literature: In fields like finance and economics, textbooks and reference works often include contributions from Brattle professionals. A prominent example is Stewart Myers, co-author of the famous textbook Principles of Corporate Finance (with Brealey and Allen) – Myers’s involvement in Brattle creates a two-way street between textbook theory and consulting practice. Additionally, the firm’s name is attached to influential studies and models; for instance, the “Brattle Model” might be informally referenced in utility regulatory circles for a particular approach to cost-benefit analysis, owing to the firm’s prolific work in that area.
Community and Pro Bono Work: While client engagements are the focus, Brattle also encourages its staff to apply their skills for the public good. The firm occasionally undertakes pro bono analyses for worthy causes. For example, Brattle consultants have volunteered analytical support to environmental advocacy groups needing economic evidence to support their cases, or provided testimony pro bono in critical public interest litigation (such as an economist testifying on the impact of payday lending regulations on low-income communities). Moreover, the firm’s Corporate Citizenship program supports charities and local communities in the cities where it operates – Brattle offices often fundraise for local causes, and the firm matches charitable contributions by employees. This culture of giving back reinforces a sense of purpose and engagement among staff.

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