Rob Walters on the Executive Overreach, Big Tech, and the Future of the Judiciary

Rob Walters is a lawyer’s lawyer—an antitrust expert, constitutional scholar, and courtroom veteran with a long record of public and private sector impact. In this episode, Rob shares insights from landmark cases (like AT&T-Time Warner and LIV Golf), breaks down today’s antitrust landscape, and explains the legal tension between the executive and judicial branches. With experience ranging from federal litigation to Dallas civic leadership, Rob offers a unique perspective on the shifting balance of power in American government and why legal norms matter more than we might think.

In This Episode:

[00:02:05] Why Law? Rob reflects on his journey into law—how growing up abroad and witnessing global politics shaped his passion for justice and intellectual rigor.

[00:08:34] Antitrust 101 & the Chicago School Legacy A breakdown of how antitrust evolved, where it’s headed, and why current approaches may be dangerously muddled.

[00:11:53] Big Tech & the Power Question Do Meta and Google have too much influence? Rob offers a nuanced view of dominance, innovation, and where antitrust fits in.

[00:19:00] AT&T vs. DOJ: Behind the Scenes The high-stakes courtroom drama of the AT&T-Time Warner merger and how the team—including CEOs Randall Stephenson and John Stankey—went toe-to-toe with the DOJ.

[00:25:00] LIV Golf & Saudi Investment How Rob approaches controversial clients like LIV Golf, the impact on global sport, and the importance of legal representation—even when geopolitics get messy.

[00:30:23] Chevron Doctrine & Supreme Court Shifts Why the Chevron case matters, how the Court is reshaping agency power, and the return of judicial interpretation over executive deference.

[00:36:00] Is the Judiciary Still Independent? A look at how the courts act as a check on power, the politicization of judges, and the enduring role of judicial neutrality.

[00:42:00] Executive Orders and Separation of Powers Rob weighs in on Presidential use of E.O.s and the critical balance between the branches of government.

[00:55:00] Government Overreach? From universities to private enterprise and law firms—where does legal oversight end and overreach begin?

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Editing and Support by ⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠