Firms To Watch: Cartel

Led by New York’s Fiona Schaeffer, Milbank‘s team is adept at multi-jurisdictional criminal and civil investigations, as well as follow-on litigation as part of its broad antitrust offering. In Washington, Adam Di Vincenzo comfortably handles matters before enforcement authorities in the US and internationally, while Richard Parker and Grant Bermann are experienced trial lawyers.

Cartel in United States

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Offering a comprehensive cross-border practice, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is equipped to handle the full range of cartel work, including both civil and criminal investigations, litigation defense, and enforcement matters. Regulatory advice is another strength of the team, which includes several former officials from the FTC and the DOJ. Leah Brannon leads the team alongside Jeremy Calsyn, who specializes in global cartel investigations and defense in follow-on class actions. Brannon is recommended for handling investigations by the DOJ, FTC and the European Commission. Being particularly experienced in the application of complex economics to antitrust matters, Kenneth Reinker’s practice spans an array of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare, high-technology, media and financial institutions. Daniel Culley has a track record in cross-examinations of government witnesses and focuses on high-tech industries and two-sided markets, while Brian Byrne in San Francisco is adept in cross-border enforcement matters, as well as antitrust-related civil litigation and reviews of M&A. Experienced first-chair trial attorney Heather Nyong’o is equipped to represent her clients, which include multinational corporations and executives, in domestic and international cartel investigations and litigation. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Leah Brannon; Jeremy Calsyn


Other key lawyers:

Heather Nyong’o; Kenneth Reinker; Daniel Culley; George Cary; Brian Byrne


Key clients

Fox Corporation


Work highlights


  • Represented Fox Corporation in a civil antitrust class action alleging price fixing and information exchanges related to local television advertising.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Experienced in every aspect of antitrust law, ranging from investigations to DOJ and FTC civil antitrust enforcement and compliance, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP comfortably operates across an array of sectors, with particular capabilities in the financial services, pharmaceuticals, retail, and high-tech industries. The team is jointly steered by Rachel Brass in San Francisco, former Deputy Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition Stephen Weissman, and Cynthia Richman, with Richman experienced in representing clients in grand jury investigations by the DOJ as well as the defense of companies before state and federal courts. Specializing in domestic and international labor and employment-related matters,  Brass has acted in numerous investigations by the FTC, DOJ, European Commission, Korean Fair Trade Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, among others, contributing to the firm’s strength in handling international matters, which is reinforced by Scott Hammond and Jeremy Robison, who both are references for multinational companies that are involved in cartel investigations outside of the US and EU. Robison’s practice focuses on matters related to price fixing, customer allocation, bid rigging, and no-poach agreements, while Hammond is a port of call for clients in need of crisis management. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Brass, Cynthia Richman, Stephen Weissman


Other key lawyers:

Scott Hammond; Jeremy Robison


 


Key clients

Apple


Liv Golf, Inc.


Merck & Co.


Hartford Healthcare Corp.


RealPage, Inc.


Amgen, Inc.


Charles Schwab Corporation


S&P Global


Amgen


Kraft Foods Group and Mondelēz Global


T-Mobile


Energizer Holdings


McDonald’s


UBS No


US WorldMeds Partners LLC


Assertio Therapeutics


Amazon


Swisher International


VMWare


Chevron, USA


Amazon.Com


Matson Navigation


Baxter International


Hill-Rom Holdings


Hill-Rom Company


Hill-Rom Services


Duke University


Tenet Healthcare


Pioneer Natural Resources


Optum/Rx


Smithfield Foods


Global Financial Services Company


Novartis AG


Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.


Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP fields numerous lawyers with previous experience working for the DOJ and FTC, and has a successful track record in dealing with both cartel investigations, as well as follow-on litigation defense. Working together closely with the firm’s offices in Europe, the group is sought out by domestic and multinational companies from various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, retail, software, real estate, and healthcare. The team is headed by global chair Amanda Reeves in Washington DC, and global vice chair Belinda Lee in San Francisco, with Lee being recommended for advising US, European and Asian clients in government investigations before regulators and courts across the globe. Also in San Francisco, Niall Lynch is lauded for acting in criminal and civil price-fixing investigations, including those with ties to Brazil, Korea, the UK and Canada. As a former DOJ trial lawyer, New York-based Elizabeth Prewitt is adept at the full spectrum of cartel work, including investigations and trials relating to price fixing, bid rigging and no-poach agreements.

Practice head(s):

Amanda Reeves; Belinda Lee


Other key lawyers:

Elizabeth Prewitt; Niall Lynch; Ashley Bauer


Testimonials

‘Strong team overall. Both Elizabeth Prewitt and Niall Lynch are very strong.’

‘Elizabeth has proven litigation chops with major trial wins.’


Key clients

QuEST Global


Glenmark


Fanatics, LLC


Walmart Inc.


StarKist Co.


RealPage / AvalonBay Communities


Cendyn


Multiplan


Equity Lifestyle Properties


Singapore Airlines Limited and Singapore Airlines Cargo Pte Ltd (SQ)


EssilorLuxottica S.A.


Work highlights


  • Represented sportswear retailer Fanatics in a pair of purported class actions filed by distributors and consumers of NFL licensed products and, in a separate case, filed by an online retailer of Major LeagueBaseball licensed products, regarding allegations of violating Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act.
  • Represented Walmart Inc. in three lawsuits accusing Walmart of conspiring with Energizer to inflate the wholesale and retail prices of all disposable batteries.
  • Represented Cendyn in a dispute regarding algorithmic price-fixing claims.
     

White & Case LLP

Housing a ‘great international practice’, White & Case LLP regularly acts for US-based companies in international cartel proceedings, and is geared to handle both criminal proceedings and linked damage claims.  The representation of international clients in matters related to the Sherman Act is another noted specialism of the team, and includes vast experience with summary dispositions, trials and appeals in US courts. Exemplifying this in particular is practice head and trial expert Mark Gidley, who recently represented clients from the fintech, education, financial services and energy sectors. Pharmaceutical companies benefit from the firm’s dedicated pharmaceuticals and healthcare group, which is led by Peter Carney, and offers niche expertise in investigation and antitrust litigation concerning allegations of product hopping in this sector. Adam Acosta is another name to note, focusing on government investigations and antitrust litigation. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Mark Gidley


Other key lawyers:

Peter Carney; Robert Milne; Adam Acosta; Christopher Curran; Frank Hogue


Testimonials

‘Great international practice that can assist with complex matters in many jurisdictions. ’

‘Mark Gidley is a bright, practical, determined, aggressive and fun lawyer to work with. He is creative and always thinking outside the box to solve problems and move things forward.’

‘They are very responsive and considering the nature of the topic, they will quickly assemble a team with specialities in each field, such as government affairs, anti-trust, litigation, and commercial transactions.’

 

Key clients

Symrise


Apex Clearing


Vanderbilt University


Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B de C.V.


Crédit Agricole


Gilead


Google


Pfizer


Nexans


EpiPen


AbbVie


Nestlé Purina PetCare


Gerber Products Company


Experian PLC


FXI Holdings, Inc.


Corsicana Mattress


Elite Comfort


Solutions


Future Foam


Leggett & Platt


Serta Simmons Bedding


Tempur Sealy International


Brooklyn Bedding


Boston Scientific


Work highlights


  • Advised German chemicals company Symrise on cartel investigations in the US, UK and EU (including Switzerland).
  • Representing Mexico-based Orbia, a chemical manufacturing company, in relation to private damages actions arising out of an ethylene buyer’s cartel.

WilmerHale

WilmerHale is particularly well versed in supporting clients in multi-jurisdictional cartel proceedings, working together seamlessly with other experts from the firm’s US, European and Asian offices. With a track record of secured non-prosecution agreements and leniency protection, practice chair Thomas Mueller specializes in global cartel enforcement matters, while Jennifer Milici is a name to note for advice on regulatory topics. ‘Excellent attorney’ Steven Cherry recommended for proceedings before trial and appellate courts, including the US Supreme Court, with his expertise extending to government investigations, class actions, and arbitration. Heading the firm’s antitrust practice in New York, David Gringer represents clients in disputes with the DOJ, FTC, state attorneys general offices, claimants and private class plaintiffs. In Los Angeles, Nana Wilberforce advises on price-fixing allegations by both the DOJ and the European Commission, with noted experience in the natural gas, technology, auto parts manufacturing, and financial services segments. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Mueller


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Milici; Steven Cherry; David Gringer; Nana Wilberforce


Testimonials

‘WilmerHale´s antitrust team is excellent. Their communications are always clear and on time.  When needed, the partners share their thoughts and opinions without hesitation. I have been working with Steven Cherry and his team and the journey has been extremely smooth and enriching. ’

‘Availability, experience, knowledge and ease of treatment. ’

‘The turnaround is always quick, the output is not superficial, and I always receive practical advice that reflects deep consideration.’

‘Steven Cherry is an excellent attorney. His responses are always swift with high-quality advice based on in-depth analysis. ’

 

Arnold & Porter

Jointly led by Debbie Feinstein and Jonathan Gleklen, Arnold & Porter’s antitrust and competition team combines expertise in defense against government investigations with proficiency in private antitrust litigation to advise across the full spectrum of cartel matters, and offers special knowledge of antitrust-related ESG topics. Capable of acting in numerous industries, the team is well versed in handling cartel investigations related to auto parts, municipal bonds, air cargo, maritime shipping, industrial chemicals, and orthopedic implant devices. Recommended for his expertise in government contracting matters, Chicago-based Andre Geverola leads the group’s cartel investigation practice and frequently handles matters related to labor and financial markets, as well as healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Having previously acted as Director of Criminal Litigation in the Antitrust Division, Geverola is adept at working with an array of antitrust enforcement agencies from across the globe, including those from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the European Union. Being well-versed in multi-district disputes, James L Cooper is another experienced litigator, as is trial lawyer Laura Shores. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Debbie Feinstein; Jonathan Gleklen


Other key lawyers:

Laura Shores; James L. Cooper; Andre Geverola


Work highlights


  • Represented Sandoz/Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc. in multidistrict litigation involving several dozen direct and indirect purchaser class action complaints, as well as State Attorney General actions, alleging that generic manufacturers conspired to raise the prices of a large number of different pharmaceutical products.
  • Represented Bayer CropScience in class actions alleging a conspiracy among manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of agricultural inputs to boycott online retailers.
  • Represented Oakland Raiders in winning dismissal of antitrust claims brought by the City of Oakland challenging the relocation of the Raiders to Las Vegas as the product of an unlawful agreement among the Raiders, the NFL, and other NFL teams.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s antitrust and competition practice works together with experts from the firm’s white-collar group to offer advice on the full range of criminal and civil cartel matters, with notable strength in multijurisdictional proceedings. Recent work highlights include the securing of a dismissal of criminal antitrust charges against an individual in connection with a DOJ criminal investigation and an indictment alleging price fixing in the broiler chicken industry. Jarrett Arp heads the firm’s antitrust practice in Washington DC and specialises in advice on antitrust and competition law, as well as investigations and litigation at trial and appellate court levels. Leading the firm’s global antitrust and competition group, New York’s Arthur Burke is engaged by domestic and international technology and media companies as well as financial institutions for advice on cartel and antitrust aspects of M&A transactions, civil litigation and investigations. Also in New York, Paul Mishkin is particularly adept in matters regarding the alleged manipulation of benchmark rates and prices for financial products.

Practice head(s):

Jarrett Arp


Other key lawyers:

Paul Mishkin; Arthur Burke


Key clients

NatWest


Syngenta


Work highlights


  • Represented an executive in the chicken supply industry against criminal charges brought by the DOJ for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to fix prices and rig bids for broiler chicken products.
     
     
     
  • Represented Syngenta in connection with antitrust lawsuits filed nationwide both by the FTC and state attorneys general, and by private plaintiffs in purported class action lawsuits, regarding ‘crop inputs’ and ‘loyalty rebate programs’.
     
  • Represented a global advertising company in a two-year criminal antitrust investigation by the DOJ in connection with hiring practices in the digital advertising industry.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Hogan Lovells US LLP's recent workload includes matters in the TMT, life sciences, automotive, defense, and financial services industries. The group’s multi-faceted capabilities encompass domestic and international cartel investigations, where the team leverages the firm’s global antitrust team, internal investigations, and leniency matters, which are often related to employment or public procurement. The creation and implementation of antitrust compliance programs with a focus on cartel conduct is another key competence of the team. Kathryn Hellings is at the helm of the practice and offers particular expertise with no-poach agreements, while Dan Shulak conducts internal investigations and is well versed in supporting global companies in cross-border investigations by multiple enforcement agencies. Both are well supported by Melissa Levitt, who is representing both companies and individuals in governmental – criminal and civil – investigations, and is also equipped to handle related civil litigation and arbitration.

Practice head(s):

Kathryn Hellings


Other key lawyers:

Dan Shulak; Melissa Levitt


Work highlights


Jones Day

Fielding a team of cartel experts, many of whom have experience serving in government agencies such as DOJ and FTC, Jones Day is highlighted by clients as ‘one of the few firms that can handle a cartel matter from investigation to potential trial’, and noted for its experience acting in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, energy and technology segments. In Washington DC, practice head Craig Waldman's broad practice extends to advice on ESG-related cartel issues. Also in Washington DC, Julie McEvoy is well versed in representing clients in both investigations and trials. Splitting his time between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Eric Enson is a port of call for international investigations, having a track record of defending companies against claims of price-fixing in the computer components, technology and auto parts industries, among others. Kevin Hart joined the firm’s Washington DC office in March 2023 from the DOJ, covering all aspects of criminal cartel investigations, prosecutions, and litigation, including federal criminal jury trials and grand jury investigations.

Practice head(s):

Craig Waldman


Other key lawyers:

Julie McEvoy; John Majoras; Eric Enson; Kevin Hart


Testimonials

‘They can draw on significant firm recourses to staff matters quickly – great appellate team. ’

‘Kevin Hart and Julie McEvoy are strong. Julie will walk through walls for her clients. Kevin has very helpful DOJ insight and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. ’

‘Jones Day has a strong team with former federal prosecutor, Kevin Hart, and a number of strong civil class action litigators. Jones Day is one of the few firms that can handle a cartel matter from investigation to potential trial.’

‘Kevin is a former DOJ prosecutor who has his finger on the pulse of the agency. ’

 

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP‘s client base comprises domestic and multinational companies as well as individuals, all benefitting from the team’s vast experience with both civil and criminal antitrust matters against the US government, other nations, and international bodies such as the EU Commission.  The team is led by three lawyers: Daniel Laytin's multifaceted caseload includes the entire scope of antitrust work, with recent matters stemming from industries such as material sciences, pharmaceuticals, energy and foods. Covering the intersection of antitrust topics and white-collar crime, James Mutchnik is particularly recommended for defending clients against allegations of price fixing and price discrimination, while Christa Cottrell is an experienced litigator and trial lawyer. All mentioned lawyers are based in Chicago.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Laytin; James Mutchnik; Christa Cottrell


Key clients

Dow Chemical Company


Hilcorp Energy Company


Hitachi, Ltd.


Propolsion Holdings, LLC


Sanderson Farms, Inc.


Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits


The Clemens Family Corporation


UnitedHealth Group, Inc.


Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield


Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers in-depth knowledge of supporting clients from the automotive, electronics, energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and transportation industries, and is adept at every stage of cartel procedures, from initial investigation to representation in trials and related civil litigation, providing ‘great advice on all areas of competition law’. Clayton Everett Jr in Washington DC spearheads the practice and stands out with a track record of multijurisdictional cartel investigations and litigation, including applications for leniency in various countries. His recent work highlights include a multidistrict litigation in the life sciences sector, arising out of a DOJ investigation regarding allegations of price-fixing and market allocation for generic drug products. Boston-based Daniel Savrin specializes in matters related to the automotive sector, representing corporates and executives in criminal antitrust, civil government enforcement, and civil litigation matters. Mark Krotoski left the firm in November 2023.


Practice head(s):

Clayton Everett Jr


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Savrin


Testimonials

‘Morgan Lewis & Bockius offers great advice on all areas of competition law. They are incredibly patient and helpful in explaining the complexity of the law to our executives.’

 

Key clients

BMW Group


Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster’s team works together seamlessly with practitioners from the firm’s global office network, with a particular focus on the technology, telecommunications, financial services, transportation, healthcare and life sciences fields. Headed by Lisa Phelan and the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Alexander Okuliar, the group has a notable specialism in advising domestic and international tech companies, and frequently represents Japan-based clients facing antitrust issues in the US. Phelan’s recent workload includes the representation of a producer of expeditionary products in a bid-rigging DOJ investigation into shelter sales to the US military, as well as the support of two national healthcare companies with DOJ no-poach investigations and follow-on civil damage litigation. Described by clients as ‘smart, responsive and strategic’, San Francisco’s Eliot Adelson handles all aspects of internal and government investigations in various jurisdictions, while former DOJ Antitrust Division trial attorney Megan Gerking regularly advises clients on antitrust issues arising from industry consortiums and trade association activities, and is recommended for multidistrict antitrust litigation. Joseph Folio and Rob Manoso are both experienced trial lawyers and were promoted to partner in January 2024. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned practitioners are based in Washington DC.


Practice head(s):

Alex Okuliar; Lisa Phelan


Other key lawyers:

Eliot Adelson; David Cross; Megan Gerking; Bonnie Lau; Rob Manoso; Joseph Folio


Testimonials

‘MoFo’s antitrust team, particularly Eliot Adelson, is fantastic. One of my favorite outside lawyers to work with. Smart, responsive and strategic’

‘I have worked primarily with Alex Okuliar. He is incredibly knowledgeable, practical, and efficient. He has seen things from the perspective of the Department of Justice but also understands business matters.’

 

Key clients

Matsuo Electric Co, Ltd.


Nexstar Media Group, Inc


DNA Genotek Inc.


Barnes Family Ranch Associates, LLC


Tiz Inc. d/b/a Provi


UDR


Work highlights


  • Represented Provi in an antitrust case against Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Republic National Distributing Company relating to alleged conspiracy to eliminate competition from Provi by prohibiting retailers from ordering alcohol products they need through Provi’s marketplace.
  • Represented Nexstar Media Group, Inc., a national media company and the largest owner of local television stations in the United States, in an antitrust investigation by the DOJ and follow-on class action litigation related to the broadcast television spot advertisement market.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Acknowledged for a strong presence in the financial services industry, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is recommended for multi-regulator investigations regarding allegations such as price fixing, bid rigging and market allocation. The group is led by Aidan Synnott, litigation expert Brette Tannenbaum , and Andrew Finch, with Finch handling some of the firm’s most significant criminal investigations and private litigation matters. Valued by clients for his ‘trusted and thoughtful advice on difficult assignments’, Joseph Bial, who splits his time between New York and Washington DC, regularly represents clients in cartel litigation in federal district and appellate courts, and before state and federal regulatory agencies, while also handling international cartel and monopolization cases in the US, Europe and Asia. Tee St. Matthew-Daniel's recent work highlights include the representation of a client in cartel investigations into the fragrance industry by European and US antitrust authorities. All mentioned lawyers are based in New York, unless stated otherwise.


Practice head(s):

Andrew Finch; Aidan Synnott; Brette Tannenbaum


Other key lawyers:

Joseph Bial; Tee St Matthew-Daniel


Testimonials

‘Joseph Bial always gives us trusted and thoughtful advice in difficult assignments. He’s extremely diligent, confronts challenging issues, and provides solutions in a timely manner.’

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Fielding a deep bench of former enforcement attorneys, prosecutors, and trial lawyers from the FTC and DOJ, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s antitrust and trade regulation practice is equipped to support clients from industries such as software, transportation, defense, insurance, and advises on the full spectrum of cartel matters, including internal investigations, leniency programs, criminal and regulatory investigations and advice on dawn raids. Covering allegations of price fixing, market allocation, bid rigging, and no-poach, conduct among others, the team is jointly headed by Peter Guryan in New York, John Terzaken, and Sara Razi. Engaged by clients from all major industries, Terzaken handles antitrust enforcement matters as part of his diverse white-collar practice, while Abram Ellis is a name to note for cartel-related civil litigation. Representing multinational corporations, independent board committees, and senior executives in investigations by federal and state enforcement regulators is a key area of work for Jeffrey Knox. Unless stated otherwise, all lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Peter Guryan; Sara Razi; John Terzaken


 


Other key lawyers:

Abram Ellis; Jeffrey Knox


Work highlights


  • Represented a global infrastructure products manufacturer in connection with a criminal antitrust investigation into alleged price fixing, bid rigging and market allocation.
  • Represented a national fintech provider in a criminal antitrust investigation into alleged no-poach conduct.

Winston & Strawn LLP

Described by clients as ‘a strong team with exceptional knowledge’, Winston & Strawn LLP is sought out by corporates and individuals from numerous sectors, with recent engagements in the food and electronic components segments. Co-head Eva Cole focuses on international cartel investigations and class actions, and has a track record of dealing with antitrust authorities from Europe and various countries from across the globe, including Australia, Brazil, Korea and Mexico. Cole leads the group alongside trial lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, who balances a busy workload of criminal and civil investigations, jury trials and civil litigation for domestic and international companies. Both are based in New York, as is Jeffrey Amato, who is another key contact for international cartel litigation and government investigations. In Chicago, Jim Herbison is an experienced litigator, and adept at the full gamut of jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations as part of his multifaceted antitrust practice, which encompasses advice on allegations of price-fixing and bid-rigging. Heather Lamberg left the firm in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Kessler; Eva Cole


Other key lawyers:

Jeffrey Amato; Jim Herbison


Testimonials

‘They have a strong team with exceptional knowledge. ’

‘Eva Cole is outstanding in terms of experience and client advocacy in cartel matters. ’

Key clients

Panasonic Corporation


NTN Corporation


Hitachi Metals


Corning Inc.


Corning International Kabushiki Kaisha


Nippon Seiki


Norman W. Fries, Inc. (Claxton Poultry Farms)


Work highlights


  • Represented Claxton Poultry Farms in In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation and related criminal indictments against Claxton and two of its executives, securing complete acquittals at trial for both individuals, followed by DOJ’s voluntary dismissal, with prejudice, of all antitrust charges against Claxton.
  • Represented an engineering company executive in connection with a federal investigation of alleged violations of criminal antitrust laws involving purported no-poach agreements.
     
  • Represented a technology company in connection with a cartel investigation being conducted by the UK’s OfCom.

Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider

Highlighted by clients for offering ‘a deep bench of experienced practitioners’, boutique firm Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider is led by Michael Keeley and specializes in handling a multifaceted caseload of cartel matters before antitrust agencies around the globe, with particular strength in price-fixing investigations and niche expertise at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law. ‘Master strategist’ Tiffany Rider exemplifies the firm’s multifarious offering, with her practice encompassing the representation of corporates and individuals in proceedings before the DOJ, the European Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau, while former DOJ official James Attridge 's caseload encompasses leniency applications, investigations related to allegations such as labor-market collusion, and internal investigations. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Michael L. Keeley


Other key lawyers:

Dan Oakes; James Attridge; Tiffany Rider; John Harkrider


 


Testimonials

‘Axinn’s cartel defense practice has a deep bench of experienced practitioners who can take on any type of representation. They defend companies and individuals in the most complex domestic and international investigations and have achieved great outcomes for clients. Their team includes practitioners with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including agency experience at all levels. ’

‘Jimmy Attridge is a top-tier cartel defense counsel who has represented both companies and senior executives before competition authorities in highly sensitive matters. Jimmy has significant experience as both a defense counsel and government prosecutor, which enables him to quickly assess the situation and recommend various options to a client for the path forward. ’

‘The team has an excellent blend of long defense experience, together with helpful recent government experience, that makes it fairly unique.’

‘I have worked closely with Tiffany Rider and Jimmy Attridge. Both are excellent and provide extraordinary client service.’

‘Axinn is one of the only firms that truly places antitrust front and center and truly positions itself as a thought leader in this space. ’

‘Tiffany Rider is a trusted partner and master strategist in cartel defense. Her judgment is impeccable and she is a joy to work with. ’

‘Axinn is involved in many large antitrust civil litigation and some DOJ criminal cartel matters. It has many top-notch litigators, including Tiffany Rider and Dan Oakes. ’

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P.’s Washington DC-based antitrust and competition law department is well regarded for its knowledge of the pharmaceutical, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and TMT segments, and offers niche expertise in advising multinational online technology companies on topics such as FTC privacy order compliance. Praised by clients for providing ‘remarkably strategic, timely and thoughtful advice’, John Taladay leads the team and regularly acts in proceedings with involvement of the FTC, DOJ Antitrust Division and the European Commission with noteworthy capabilities in advising on allegations of price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation and unfair trade practices. Erik Koons’ practice extends to bet-the-company antitrust litigation and the whole gamut of related claims, including those related to tying, bundling and monopolization. Former co-head Maureen Ohlhausen and Taylor Owings left the firm in January 2024, while Joseph Ostoyich departed in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

John Taladay


Other key lawyers:

Erik Koons; Stacy Turner


Testimonials

‘John Taladay is a fantastic attorney. He provides remarkably strategic, timely, and thoughtful advice on every aspect of an antitrust investigation. He excels at putting clients at ease in difficult situations.’

 

Key clients

Akamai Technologies, Inc.


Amazon.com, Inc.


American Financial Services Association


American Industrial Partners, LLC (AIP, LLC)


Avenue5 Residential


Broadcom Inc.


Business Roundtable


Caterpillar Inc.


Celanese Corporation


CMC Materials, Inc.


Enovis Corporation


Envista Holdings Corporation


Ericsson Inc.


Georgia-Pacific LLC (GP Wood Products LLC)


Google, Inc.


Halliburton


Irico Display Devices Co., Ltd.


Koninklijke Philips N.V.


Philips North America LLC


Philips Taiwan, Ltd.


Philips do Brasil Ltda.


Liberty Latin America Ltd.


Liberty Media Corporation


Magellan Midstream Partners LP


Masco Corporation


McKenna & Associates, LLC


Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook)


National Association of Boards of Pharmacy


National Association of Music Merchants


Oxford Nanopore Technologies plc


Qualcomm Inc.


RWJBarnabas Health, Inc.


Safariland Corp.


Safelite Group, Inc.


SSW Partners LP


Sun Pharmaceuticals / Taro Pharmaceuticals


UnitedHealth Group Incorporated


U.S. Chamber of Commerce


Waste Management, Inc.


Westlake Chemical Corporation


DLA Piper LLP (US)

Noted by clients for providing ‘expertise, results, and industry knowledge’, DLA Piper LLP (US)'s antitrust practice welcomed the arrival of experienced litigator David Hamilton in Baltimore from Womble Bond Dickinson in February 2023, New York-based Amadeu Ribeiro from Mattos Filho in October 2023, as well as the arrival of former federal DOJ prosecutor Carsten Reichel in Washington DC, who joined the team together with other antitrust lawyers from Norton Rose Fulbright in January 2024. Contributing to the firm’s international capabilities, Ribeiro has significant experience working matters with ties to Latin America, while Reichel represents corporations and individuals in antitrust investigations and intertwined civil litigation, and is also recommended for developing compliance programs to mitigate cartel-related risks. With a specialism in highly-regulated industries such as healthcare, insurance and life sciences, John Hamill in Chicago is at the helm of the practice, and well known as an experienced first chair trial lawyer. San Francisco’s Matthew Jacobs excels in cross-border investigation and is sought out by company boards, audit committees, companies and executives for advice on both internal and government investigations. Allissa Pollard left the firm in June 2023. Former practice head Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey left the firm in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

John Hamill


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Jacobs; Jessica Heim; David Hamilton; Amadeu Ribeiro; Carsten Reichel


Testimonials

‘Expertise, results, and industry knowledge’

 

Key clients

BlueScope Steel


Maxell


Work highlights


  • Represented an executive of BlueScope Steel who was initially the target of civil and criminal antitrust investigations by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
  • Represented a sales executive of Global Pharmaceuticals (now Impax Laboratories) in the DOJ’s investigation of conspiring to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate customers for generic drugs among 12 generic pharmaceutical companies.
  • Represented Maxell in a criminal investigation of price fixing in the lithium-ion batteries industry, obtaining a non-prosecution from the Department of Justice.

Linklaters LLP

With particular experience in the pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and financial services, Linklaters LLP leverages the firm’s global network to support clients on both domestic and international cartel investigations, as well as related civil matters, including class actions and merger clearance, with the latter being a focus area for co-head Antonia Sherman. She leads the practice alongside Douglas Tween, who is a port of call for crisis management,  internal investigations, as well as risk assessments, and has a track record of defending clients in criminal and regulatory investigations and court proceedings. John Eichlin excels at the intersection of consumer protection regulations and antitrust enforcements. Sherman splits her time between New York and Washington DC. Other mentioned lawyers are based in New York.

Practice head(s):

Antonia Sherman; Douglas Tween


Other key lawyers:

John Eichlin


Testimonials

‘They have managed to provide whatever level of capacity is appropriate at the moment. Throughout they have been collaborative and dependable to a degree that is noteworthy.’

 

Key clients

Strides Pharma


Aerospace Executive


Kelkoo Group


Nestlé Nespresso


NatWest Group Plc


NatWest Markets Plc


NatWest Markets Securities Inc.


State Street Corp.


State Street Bank and Trust Co


Work highlights


  • Represented generic pharma manufacturer Strides Pharma in the In Re: Generic Pharmaceuticals Pricing Antitrust Litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
  • Represented a senior executive at an aerospace engineering company suspected of having fostered an anticompetitive hiring environment in the contract engineering sector.
  • Represented Kelkoo Group in the District Court of Delaware against Google, Inc. and Alphabet, Inc.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

O'Melveny & Myers LLP’s ‘top notch’ antitrust and competition practice is geared to advise clients on every stage of cartel proceedings, from preliminary investigations through to trial and follow-on civil litigation. Recently, the team has been particularly active in matters related to labor markets, dealing with allegations of no-poach agreements and other hiring practices. The team is co-led by Ian Simmons, who is an expert in multidistrict litigation and is noted for his capabilities at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property topics, and Ben Bradshaw, who is a key contact for the firm’s financial services clients. Both lawyers are based in Washington DC. In San Francisco, Anna Fletcher and Michael Tubach are recommended for cartel trials, with Turbach’s latest achievements including co-leading a team to achieve a complete acquittal for a former CEO accused of fixing prices for broiler chicken. New York’s Brian Quinn was also a part of that team, and offers notable expertise in both criminal and civil cartel defense matters.

Practice head(s):

Ian Simmons; Ben Bradshaw


Other key lawyers:

Anna Pletcher; Michael Tubach; Brian Quinn


 


Testimonials

O’Melveny’s cartel practice is top notch. They have a team of lawyers who are incredibly smart and experienced, but who are also very practical. I have tried multiple criminal cases with O’Melveny and they are thorough, thoughtful, and strategic. They garner respect and trust from federal judges. They are very collaborative, which is critical in representing clients in cartel matters.

Their lawyers are incredibly bright, but also very easy to deal with. I have been impressed with their ability to quickly cut through the noise to understand what really matters while also ensuring that things don’t slip through the cracks.

Key clients

Leoni AG


National Beef Packing Company


Work highlights


  • Represented the former CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation in a criminal antitrust trial in the District of Colorado—achieving a complete acquittal.
  • Represented a former employee of a government contractor in a criminal antitrust investigation by the DOJ Antitrust Division, and subsequent criminal trial, into potential no-poach or non-solicitation agreements that the company allegedly entered into with engineering firms and parts suppliers.
  • Represented a client in antitrust enforcement investigations into the global fragrance industry, related to allegations that companies colluded to fix prices and otherwise violated competition laws.

Ropes & Gray LLP

With an experienced team that includes several former federal prosecutors and enforcement attorneys from different government agencies such as DOJ, FTC, and US Attorney’s Offices nationwide, Ropes & Gray LLP has a full-service cartel practice that offers vast experience in criminal and civil investigations and follow-up civil litigation, internal investigations, and merger clearance in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and financial services segments. The team is jointly steered by New York’s Michael McGovern, a trial lawyer specializing in high-stakes criminal cases that threaten the survival of companies, and Mark Popofsky, who regularly defends clients in jury trials, class actions, arbitrations and appeals before federal and state courts. Popofsky splits his time between Washington DC and San Francisco, as does Chong Park, whose broad practice extends to acting as first chair in jury trials and federal and state courts, as well as advising on government enforcement actions.

Practice head(s):

Mark Propofsky; Michael McGovern


Other key lawyers:

Samer Musallam; Chong Park


Key clients

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, plc


State Street Bank and Trust Company


Work highlights


  • Represented pharmaceutical manufacturer Mallinckrodt in lawsuits brought by a coalition of state attorneys alleging a conspiracy to inflate and manipulate the prices of dozens of generic drugs.
  • Represented State Street and its subsidiary, Currenex, Inc. in a class action on behalf of users of Currenex, an electronic trading platform for foreign exchange transactions.

Vinson & Elkins LLP

With considerable growth in recent years, Vinson & Elkins LLP is highlighted by clients for offering ‘years of experience and great teamwork’, and is well placed to handle a varied caseload for clients from industries such as technology, automotive, airline, financial services and transportation. Hill Wellford and Houston-based Jason Powers jointly head the group, with Wellford acting in many of the firm’s international mandates, and Powers offering a specialism in energy-related matters. Craig Seebald co-leads the firm’s litigation and regulatory practice, with his capabilities encompassing multijurisdictional cartel investigations and follow-on litigation. Darren Tucker specializes in investigations in the technology, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. In San Francisco, Michael Scarborough and Dylan Ballard are experienced trial lawyers, who frequently represent domestic and international clients in proceedings involving federal and state enforcement agencies. Unless stated otherwise, mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Hill Wellford; Jason Powers


Other key lawyers:

Craig Seebald; Darren Tucker; Dylan Ballard; Michael Scarborough


Testimonials

‘Years of experience and great teamwork with speed.’

‘Plainly put, regulatory proceedings are scary, even if not a target. The team’s strength lies in their ability to place the matter in perspective and provide the client an organized and systematic approach, all grounded in their extensive knowledge of the subject and the trajectory of these proceedings.

‘They’re a personable team from different backgrounds, so they provide plenty of varied and essential insight. Each one is very professional, thorough and responsive, and provides excellent deliverables.’

‘We are engaged in potentially company-altering litigation and the team provides great expertise, efficient updates, a desire to learn the industry in general and our company practices specifically and is open to feedback. Put another way, they balance their specific legal expertise with a humbleness of approach that permits them to care and learn about the specific business points which is crucial for application of their expertise.’

‘Craig Seebald is excellent at placing the case in the context of prior history. He is very accessible and responsive, and I really enjoy working with him.’

Key clients

Google LLC


Wanhua Chemical (America) Co., Ltd


Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.


H-E-B, LP


AirTran Airways


Southwest Airlines


Mastercard International


Samsung Electronics


Repsol Trading USA


Tug Hill, Inc.


AK Steel Corporation


Global Partners LP


Maxell Corporation of America


Lukoil Pan Americas LLC


United States Steel Corporation


Huntsman International


Magellan Crude Oil Pipeline Company, LP


Lantower Luxury Living


Oregon Dental Service


GID Investment Advisers, LLC/Windsor Property Management Company


Weichert, Realtors


Adventist Health System Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation


Bridge Property Management, L.C.


Delta Dental of Missouri


Oregon Dental Service


Baker McKenzie

Described by clients as ‘a strong cartel team of former enforcers and private litigators’, Baker McKenzie LLP's team collaborates with the firm’s offices across the globe to handle cartel investigations, related civil litigation, and merger clearance work in industries such as luxury fashion, shipping, and security. The team is steered by Mark Hamer and Creighton Macy, both leading numerous of the firm’s high-stake investigation matters. Brian Burke is sought out by clients from various sectors, including healthcare, technology, power infrastructure, and telecommunications, while New York’s Jeffrey Martino is praised for ‘extensive experience in both domestic and international cartel matters’, and offers strength at the intersection of antitrust law and white-collar crime. Former DOJ prosecutor Ashley Eickhof is a specialist in criminal cartel defense with experience before federal courts. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hamer; Creighton Macy


Other key lawyers:

Brian Burke; Jeffrey Martino; Ashley Eickhof


Testimonials

‘Good knowledge, very approachable, result-oriented. ’

‘Baker McKenzie has done a great job of building a cohesive antitrust practice team composed of well-rounded competition attorneys of complementary skills and backgrounds. They have a strong cartel team of former enforcers and private litigators who work closely with other team members making them a one-stop shop for those seeking counsel in connection with cartel matters.’

‘Jeff Martino brings extensive experience in both domestic and international cartel matters combined with a wide variety of experiences with white-collar and fraud-related matters to his antitrust litigation and investigations practice. ’

Key clients

Sika AG


PRADA USA


Dolce & Gabbana


Polo Ralph Lauren


CSL Sequirus


NHK Spring


EDR Lightbox


Nielsen Holdings plc


ALDI


Scholastic Corporation


Unilever


Avelo Airlines


Helen of Troy


Christian Hansen


Spirax-Sarco Engineering


Immunovant


Accenture


Google


Rio Tinto


Ralph Lauren


Work highlights


  • Represented Sika in its $5.6bn acquisition of MBCC Group from an affiliate of Lone Star Funds.
  • Represented PRADA in no-poach antitrust litigation in New York, Giordano, et al. v. Saks Fifth Avenue, et al.
  • Represented Dolce & Gabbana and Polo Ralph Lauren in antitrust class action litigation in San Francisco alleging a price-fixing conspiracy in luxury eyewear.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP

Comfortably acting across a wide spectrum of industries, including telecommunications, agriculture, aerospace, financial services and defense, McDermott Will & Emery LLP is best known for vast experience in the healthcare sector with particular proficiency at the overlap with technology-related matters. Key contacts for such matters are Chicago’s Stephen Wu and Michelle Lowery, who splits her time between Los Angeles and Chicago. Washington DC-based practice head Raymond Jacobsen’s specialisms include the representation of clients in the defense industry, while Ryan Tisch, who joined the firm from Crowell & Moring LLP in May 2023 and is also based in Washington DC, is adept at antitrust-related regulatory reviews across multiple jurisdictions. New York’s Elai Katz joined the team in August 2023 from Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, strengthening the team’s expertise in the financial services, retail and pharmaceuticals segments. Andrew Lee departed in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Raymond Jacobsen


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Wu; Michelle Lowery; Elai Katz; Nicole Castle; Stephen Wu; Katharine O’Connor; Joel Grosberg; Ryan Tisch


Testimonials

‘My consistent experience of the firm is that they are excellent across the board.’

‘Expertise and commerciality – the perfect combination.’

‘Joel Grossberg has some of the broadest and deepest knowledge of M&A antitrust history of anyone in the DC bar. He blends legal knowledge with commercial realities in a way that is hard for most of his peers to match.’

‘High profile, well-regarded team.’

‘Ryan Tisch is the best antitrust attorney I have ever worked with. Intelligent, articulate, knows his clients inside and out, a genuinely good person who is a delight to work with. He thinks practically, and business clients love him.’

‘It is a great pleasure working with excellent lawyers, in particular Elai Katz, who is an outstanding expert.’

‘The team is superb. The breadth of resources is unmatched.’

‘Katharine O’Connor is methodical and relentless. She explains clear objectives.’

Key clients

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.


Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.


Prime Therapeutics LLC


Reproductive Medicine Associates of Philadelphia


Constellation Brands


Lockheed Martin


Premier Inc.


Motorola Mobility LLC


Treehouse Foods, Inc.


Du Pont de Nemours, Inc.


CSXT


Corteva Inc.


Perkin Elmer


Southern Illinois Healthcare


Voyant Beauty LLC


Apple Inc.


Poly/HP, Inc.


Cedars Sinai Health System


Airboss of America


Envision Healthcare Corporation and Envision Physician Services


Dr.First


Airbnb, Inc.


CareMetx


Work highlights


  • Represented a former CEO of a healthcare company in a no-poach market allocation case brought by the DOJ Antitrust Division.
  • Represented Motorola Mobility in responding to three third-party subpoenas issued in the government litigations pending against Google, Inc.

McGuireWoods LLP

McGuireWoods LLP advises on all aspects of cartel investigations, including dawn raids, leniency applications, negotiation of plea agreements and responses to subpoenas by the government, and is also adept at follow-on class actions and opt-out cases. The practice is led by Amy Manning, whose recent caseload extends to an amnesty application in a no-poach antitrust investigation conducted by the DOJ, and the representation of a company in an investigation related to antitrust violations in government contracting. Angelo Russo is proficient in both criminal antitrust investigations and civil antitrust regulation, with his areas of expertise encompassing price fixing, bid rigging, wage-fixing and no-poach agreements. Richmond’s Brent Justus has a track record of representing corporate clients and individuals in global antitrust cartel investigations. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Chicago.

Practice head(s):

Amy Manning


Other key lawyers:

Angelo Russo; Sarah Zielinski; Brent Justus


A&O Shearman

Leveraging the firm’s presence across the globe, A&O Shearman regularly represents domestic and international corporations, domestic companies and individuals in criminal and civil matters before the DOJ, European Commission and authorities of EU member states, with notable experience in the financial services and oil and gas industries. Practice head David Higbee in Washington DC is recommended for both government and internal investigations, while Djordje Petkoski specializes in criminal antitrust matters and also handles civil class actions that follow DOJ investigations, and is described by clients as ‘very knowledgeable of antitrust law and current developments’. Patrick Robbins and Ryan Shores left the team in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

David Higbee


Other key lawyers:

Djordje Petkoski


Testimonials

‘Djordje Petkoski can simply explain complicated issues and is very knowledgeable of antitrust law and current developments. Quick response times.’

Key clients

Bank of America


BNP Paribas


Morgan Stanley


Rubycon


Work highlights


  • Represented a Japanese electrolytic capacitor maker in civil litigation brought by classes of direct and indirect purchasers and multiple direct-action plaintiffs.
  • Represented Bank of America Mexico, S.A. in a putative antitrust class action in the Southern District of New York concerning the market for Mexican Government Bonds.
  • Represented Bank of America, N.A. and Merrill Lynch International in a putative antitrust class action in the Southern District of New York alleging price fixing in the primary and secondary markets for European Government Bonds.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is proficient in acting for domestic and multinational clients in antitrust investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement actions. The team’s strong expertise with matters related to the technology sector is noteworthy, as is its focus on the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law, which extends to topics such as patent pooling, product distribution and licensing restraints. The group is based in Washington DC and headed by Leo Caseria, whose multifaceted workload includes federal and state cartel investigations, and former DOJ official Ann O’Brien, who is recommended for the whole range of domestic, international, and multi-agency cartel matters, including federal jury trials.

Practice head(s):

Leo Caseria; Ann O’Brien


Testimonials

‘I found the team that handled my case professional, caring and insightful. I felt very safe in their hands, despite being in a very stressful situation.’

‘Ann O’Brien is incredibly smart, considerate and supportive, keeping me informed and answering my questions. She understood that being from another country, I needed more explanations than people familiar with the US justice system.’

‘Sheppard Mullin’s cartel defense practice has defended multinationals in some of the largest U.S. civil antitrust cartel proceedings in the nation’s litigation history. With the addition earlier this year of former DOJ Antitrust Division’s Ann O’Brien, D.C. attorneys have a laser focus on the criminal component of U.S. antitrust law.’

‘Sheppard Mullin is one of the top firms for criminal no poach issues, helping clients like us through compliance review, investigation, or litigation services.’

‘Ann O’Brien did a fantastic job.’

Key clients

Essex Property Trust


CalPortland Company


Hartford HealthCare Corporation


The Reynolds and Reynolds Company


JRK Residential Group, Inc.


Cyient


Export Packers Company


J&J Worldwide Services


Work highlights


  • Represented Hartford Healthcare in litigation filed by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in January 2022, claiming that Hartford HealthCare violated the Sherman Act and Connecticut law by acquiring physicians and physician practices, and demanding that they refer their patients only to Hartford HealthCare.
  • Represented CalPortland in its antitrust claim against the four major US railroads (Union Pacific, BNSF, CSX, and Norfolk Southern), related to an alleged scheme to fix fuel surcharges.
  • Represented Cyient in a U.S. Department of Justice criminal investigation involving allegations of an alleged criminal antitrust no-poach agreement among Pratt & Whitney, Cyient, and four other outsource suppliers.