The Nippon–U.S. Steel Deal: Law, Policy, and National Security
The 2026 Harvard Asia Law Conference brought together speakers from diverse industries and jurisdictions who have deep expertise and experience across Asia, offering students interested in Asian legal practice valuable insights into regional business contexts and emerging legal issues. This year, the conference featured panel discussions on AI regulations across Asia, the future of US-China trade relations, practical tips for students hoping to practice in Asia, and more.
Mayer Brown Partner Mickey Leibner spoke on a panel titled "The Nippon–U.S. Steel Deal: Law, Policy, and National Security". This panel examined the legal, policy, and economic considerations shaping the proposed Nippon Steel–U.S. Steel merger by bringing together experts from private practice, academia, and policy. The speakers explored how legal frameworks governing foreign investment—particularly national security review—intersect with political and economic strategy in evaluating high-profile cross-border transactions. The discussion considered the competing policy arguments that influence government decision-making in sensitive deals and what this case reveals about the evolving landscape of economic security and global investment.
For more information about the event, visit the event website.

