Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP maintains its long and illustrious history in the antitrust space, where it excels in high-stakes and complex litigation. The department, which is led by Christine Varney, is active across the gamut of litigation, from single-plaintiff suits to consumer class actions on a domestic and international scale. It also demonstrates expertise in various litigations that intersects with antitrust, including securities and IP disputes. One key practitioner here is chairman Evan Chesler, who handles myriad multi-district antitrust class action suits and made his reputation defending large corporations in bet-the-company cases. Gary Bornstein garnered praise for his recent defense work for Qualcomm Incorporated in the Ninth Circuit, in litigation brought by the FTC, whereas Kevin Orsini has carved out a reputation through his continued representation of American Express in a series of high-profile class actions. Other names to note are Peter Barbur, Katherine Forrest and Yonatan Even. All named attorneys are based in New York.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP enjoys a strong national reputation for its private antitrust litigation and class actions capabilities, evidenced by its consistent engagement by blue-chip companies from a variety of industries. Most notably, the department represents household names in the areas of media, entertainment and hi-tech, advising on actions at the intersection of intellectual property and antitrust law. The group is led by Rachel Brass in San Francisco and Stephen Weissman, who joined the firm in March 2021 from Baker Botts L.L.P.. Also recommended in the team are Cynthia Richman and Scott Hammond in Washington DC, Veronica Moyé in the Dallas office, and Los Angeles-based Daniel Swanson, who primarily focuses on monopolization and dominance cases concerning tech corporations and digital platforms. Jarrett Arp departed in August 2020 to join the antitrust group at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in Washington DC.

‘One of the strongest antitrust groups in the US, especially in healthcare’, Jones Day fields a dedicated antitrust group, which represents clients in some of the nation’s largest and most complex antitrust cases. Craig Waldman spearheads the group from the Washington DC office, having relocated there from San Francisco. The firm also stands out in this space for its Silicon Valley hub, strengthening its capabilities in the hi-tech space. Waldman works in Washington DC alongside Julie McEvoy and John Majoras, who co-leads the firm’s global litigation practice and regularly represents multinationals in antitrust lawsuits. Located in Cleveland, Michelle Fischer shines in price discrimination cases, while Los Angeles-based Jeffrey LeVee stands out in the healthcare sector in particular. Lin Kahn rejoined the firm's San Franciso office as a partner, in June 2020, after spending five years with the Federal Trade Commission.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP fields a team of attorneys with deep experience in defending clients against antitrust claims asserted by a wide variety of competitors, direct purchasers and consumer classes. With offices across the country, the group handles the full range of antitrust claims relating to cartels, monopolization, pricing disputes, unfair competition, price discrimination, intellectual property and merger-related litigation. Located in the Chicago office, James Mutchnik, Daniel Laytin and Christa Cottrell are the key names to note; the three are all active in antitrust trials and litigation across a range of sectors. Richard Cunningham in Washington DC and Sean Royall, who divides time between Dallas and Washington DC, focus on matters at the intersection of consumer protection and antitrust law.

'Distinguished in the field of antitrust for some time', Latham & Watkins LLP routinely handles all strands of antitrust and competition law, both in the US and globally, securing early dismissals, negotiating advantageous settlements and prevailing at trial in cases alleging anti-competitive collusion, monopolization, distribution and pricing policies, industry standard-setting and unfair pricing. In Washington DC, the team is notable for its DOJ and FTC expertise; while on the West Coast, the firm's Californian offices focus on antitrust issues affecting big-tech. Amanda Reeves chairs the global antitrust and competition group in Washington DC. In San Francisco, Daniel Wall has an enviable track record in litigating antitrust appeals and defending high-profile class actions, including in the US Supreme Court, while Christopher Yates specializes in assisting hi-tech and sports sector clients. It also has a nascent practice in New York, led locally by Lawrence Buterman. Other names to note in San Francisco are Al Pfeiffer and Jennifer Giordano, and Belinda Lee, who serves as global vice chair of the group from the Bay Area office.

‘One of the US’ leading antitrust trial teams’, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP's deep bench was further strengthened in June 2020 by the arrivals of William Isaacson and Karen Dunn from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. The former recognized for his expertise in actions facing social media and digital platforms, whereas the latter has experience in both defense and plaintiff-side mandates. Jointly leading the group are financial services expert Aidan Synnott and hi-tech specialist Andrew Finch in New York, alongside Washington DC-based Rick Rule, 'one of the most renowned figures in the US antitrust field'. Also in Washington DC, Kenneth Gallo is rated for his robust IP-related antitrust practice and Joseph Bial impresses with his experience of international cartel and anti-monopoly cases. Key workflows for the team include cases alleging monopolization, price-fixing, predatory pricing, bid-rigging and exclusive dealing. In September 2020, Jonathan Kanter, former co-chair of the group, left the firm to launch his own law practice in Washington DC.

White & Case LLP is active in a range of industries, but is perhaps best known as 'a powerhouse in pharmaceutical antitrust litigation'. Here, the firm pairs ‘premier antitrust attorneys with premier patent attorneys to provide the expertise required to handle’ large cases, many of which concern biosimilars, reverse payment patent settlements and product-hopping monopolization. Mark Gidley leads the team in Washington DC, where other names to note are Christopher Curran and Peter Carney, a key name in the pharmaceutical industry for representations in complex civil antitrust litigation. Elsewhere, Jack Pace, in New York, ‘stands out from his peers for his thoroughness, responsiveness, and willingness to give practical advice that puts business concerns first’. On the opposite coast, in the Silicon Valley hub, 'very strong leader and advocate' Heather Burke frequently defends parallel class actions, opt-out and state AG lawsuits. Also of note in Washington DC, Kathryn Mims, was promoted to partner in 2020.

Fielding a deep bench of attorneys with antitrust litigation capabilities, Arnold & Porter is a top performer in individual and class action claims, particularly alleged price-fixing and cartel-related conduct cases. The team is especially prominent in the life sciences sector, though it also has experience across media and entertainment, sports and financial services. Jointly headed from Washington DC by global antitrust lead Debbie Feinstein and US antitrust figurehead Jonathan Gleklen, the department also includes experienced names such as Saul Morgenstern in New York, an antitrust titan whose practice is underscored by multi-jurisdictional civil litigation and class actions. Operating out of the DC office, Laura Shores and James L. Cooper are the names to note. In the firm’s San Francisco hub, Daniel Asimow has a robust antitrust trial practice, acting as lead counsel in several antitrust matters currently pending in the Northern District of California.

Baker Botts L.L.P.'s vastly experienced antitrust group represents clients in the full range of antitrust issues, including both civil and criminal litigation. Widely considered as an antitrust destination practice, its caseload encompasses private actions, class actions, parallel litigation in state and federal courts, multi-district litigation, and other complex proceedings. Maureen Ohlhausen and John Taladay jointly lead the group from Washington DC. Other key figures in the DC office include William Lavery, an expert in price-fixing, monopolization, Robinson-Patman violations and sham litigation; Joseph Ostoyich, who has a long track record of representing household multinationals in high-stakes litigation; and Erik Koons, who is noted for his experience in nationwide class action claims. Peter Huston is a contact in the firm's San Francisco office. Former group co-head Stephen Weissman  departed in February 2021 to join Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

Well known for its appeals work in this space, Mayer Brown's team is rated for its experience in price-fixing class actions, as well as in other antitrust cases arising from the financial services, tech and healthcare sectors. Mark Ryan in Washington DC heads up the firm’s offering in this area, leading a team with enviable trial and appellate capabilities. Stationed in Chicago, Britt Miller focuses on price-fixing, market allocation, monopolization and conspiracy cases, while Andrew Marovitz specializes in antitrust litigation in the financial services sector. Other names to note are food and beverage sector expert Carmine Zarlenga and litigator Oral Pottinger, both of whom are also based in Washington DC.

Spread across offices in Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Boston, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has built a stellar reputation for assembling cross-office teams to handle large, resource-heavy, multi-district cases. Held in high esteem for his expertise in price-fixing in the generic pharmaceutical industry, Philadelphia-based Steven Reed co-leads the 'knowledgeable and efficient' group, alongside Jon Roellke, who focuses on representing financial services clients in class actions alleging the manipulation of financial benchmarks. Additionally, New York-based Stacey Anne Mahoney is active across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, real estate and financial services, whereas Brendan Fee, in Philadelphia, focuses on litigation in the tech and energy industries.

Shearman & Sterling LLP commands attention for its deep expertise in antitrust cases arising from securities and financial trading markets. Though it is particularly active in financial services cases, it also represents clients from a variety of other industries in civil and criminal matters relating to price-fixing, group boycott, market allocation and monopolization claims. In the Washington DC, David Higbee spearheads the global antitrust practice, and Todd Stenerson possesses extensive experience in multi-district antitrust litigation. Best known for his involvement in benchmarking matters emanating from the financial industry, Adam Hakki is an antitrust litigation heavyweight in New York, where experienced litigator Richard Schwed is also located. On the West Coast, in San Francisco, John Cove regularly guides clients through direct and indirect purchaser class actions, as well as unfair competition actions.

Winston & Strawn LLP shines in its representation of household name clients in the areas of big-tech, electronics and sports in civil litigation and class actions. 'Adept at performing critical fact-intensive analysis', the group is jointly led by New York pair Jeffrey Kessler and Eva Cole. Kessler stands out for his involvement in single-firm monopolization cases and cases at the nexus of antitrust and sports law, while Cole represents clients in the consumer electronics, financial services and private equity sectors. Also in New York, Susannah Torpey primarily handles disputes for tech companies, some of which lie at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law. Contacts in Chicago include Michael Mayer and James Herbison ('one of the leading antitrust defense lawyers in the country' according to one client). Heather Lamberg is recommended in Washington DC.

Dechert LLP excels in antitrust class action and Sherman Act cases for large pharmaceutical and healthcare clients. Following the departure of former group co-chair Michael Weiner in September 2020 to Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Washington DC-based Mike Cowie now shares department leadership responsibilities with Philadelphia-based co-chair Steven Bizar. Also in Philadelphia, George Gordon plays a leading role in the firm’s life sciences group and regularly represents clients in litigation involving claims of monopolization, unlawful price discrimination, unlawful group boycotts, and predatory pricing. Another name to note in Washington DC is Shari Ross Lahlou, who has experience defending clients in the telecoms, hospitality and healthcare sectors, among others.

Working closely with the firm’s white-collar defense and securities litigation teams, O'Melveny & Myers LLP fields attorneys with considerable experience in complex antitrust litigation, particularly class actions, monopolization claims, international cartel cases, and unfair competition actions. Jointly headed from Washington DC by Ben Bradshaw and Ian Simmons, the group has been especially active in cases related to pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and biosimilars. Other practitioners to note are DC-based Katrina Robson, whose practice revolves around single-firm conduct and restraint of trade cases, and Andrew Frackman, a well-rounded litigator who is skilled at handling antitrust actions relating to the aviation and financial services industries.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is active across the full life cycle of alleged antitrust violations, from investigation right through to litigation. Jointly led by New York-based Peter Guryan and Washington DC-based co-chairs Sara Razi and John Terzaken, the department emphasizes monopolization, price-fixing and tying claims. Terzaken’s strong suit is cartel-related litigation, and Razi is rated by clients as a ‘very seasoned and knowledgeable antitrust attorney’. Abram Ellis, in New York, has a burgeoning practice centering on antitrust litigation involving complex financial instruments.

On the defense side of antitrust litigation, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP specializes in the application of antitrust laws to music licensing, patent and other IP-related disputes. Handling civil and criminal cases in state and federal courts across the US, the 'collaborative and engaged’ practice also frequently defends clients in suits alleging collusion, illegal pricing and restraints of trade, as well as monopolization claims. In Washington DC, group head Steven Newborn and Carrie Mahan routinely act as lead counsel in multi-district litigations. Other standout practitioners include Adam Hemlock and Eric Hochstadt, both of whom are based in New York.

Williams & Connolly LLP is 'very knowledgeable about antitrust law in general and the pharmaceutical industry in particular’, but has also inroads in the hi-tech industry. It represents Google in the DOJ’s landmark enforcement action accusing the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly over internet search and search advertising. Based exclusively out of the firm’s Washington DC office, the group—which is jointly headed up by John Schmidtlein and Jonathan Pitt—excels in ‘reverse payments and other issues at the intersection of antitrust and patent law’. ‘Particularly knowledgeable about the pharmaceutical industry’, Benjamin Greenblum focuses on matters at the intersection of antitrust and IP law.

Retained by clients on both sides of the fence, Baker & Hostetler LLP has a particular focus on follow-on civil litigation as well as individual and class action cases alleging price-fixing. Splitting his time between Philadelphia and Washington DC, Carl Hittinger heads up the group, which continues to evolve and expand. Most recently, in 2020, the group was bolstered by two arrivals from the DOJ: Ann O’Brien in the firm's DC office, and Jeffrey Martino in New York. Also based in the Washington DC are John Fornaciari, who specializes in litigation arising from the transportation and construction industries, and Marc Schildkraut, whose practice balances expertise in antitrust litigation and agency investigations.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP is a go-to firm for major financial institutions and global banks, and is recognized in this space for its expertise in financial market manipulation, benchmark and boycott class actions. Combining ‘in-depth knowledge in both antitrust and procedural class action issues’, the group is spearheaded by the 'excellent, to-the-point antitrust specialist' Elai Katz, who is based in New York. Other key litigators are David Januszewski and Herbert Washer, both of whom are well versed in antitrust issues and frequently defend financial institutions in civil, criminal and regulatory enforcement actions.

Crowell & Moring LLP is well equipped to handle big-ticket antitrust cases for large corporates, including Fortune 500 companies. Los Angeles-based Practice co-head Jason Murray is regularly involved in bet-the-company cases for healthcare, technology, retail and telecoms companies. Working from the Washington DC office are practice co-chair Shawn Johnson and Kent Gardiner, who focuses on cartel and monopolization cases. Having been promoted to partner in January 2021, Jordan Ludwig is one other key practitioner within the group. Stefan Meisner joined the team from McDermott Will & Emery LLP in October 2020, and John Gibson left for DLA Piper LLP (US) in July 2020.

Making a concerted effort in recent years to penetrate the antitrust litigation space, DLA Piper LLP (US) runs a nationwide practice group that acts for high-profile multinational clients in a variety of antitrust matters, with notable strengths in no-poaching agreements, alleged price-fixing and monopolization conspiracies. Philadelphia-based Lesli Esposito and San Francisco-based Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey co-head the group, which is enjoying a trend of rapid expansion. One indication of the group's growth was the hire, in mid-2020, of John Gibson, who joined in Los Angeles from Crowell & Moring LLP. Other key contacts include John Hamill and Robby Robertson in the Chicago office, and David Bamberger in Washington DC.

Hogan Lovells US LLP has experience in bet-the-company litigation and routine defense of alleged monopolization practices. The group specializes in cases concerning price-fixing, market allocation and vertical and horizontal agreement allegations, as well as class actions, government suits and individual claims. Edith Ramirez is the key contact.

King & Spalding LLP's antitrust group represents a range of household corporate clients in antitrust actions, including cartel, unilateral conduct, indirect purchaser and class action cases. Located in Washington DC, Norm Armstrong and Jeffrey Spigel jointly lead the department along with Atlanta-based Jeffrey Cashdan, who litigates in both criminal and civil matters. Kenneth Steinthal in San Francisco stands out for his IP-related antitrust work. The team was further strengthened in 2020 by two major arrivals from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP: Bob Cooper in New York and Damien Marshall in the firm's Washington DC office.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP is recognized in this space for its experience in the defense of antitrust cases in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Raymond Jacobsen, Jr. heads up the 'exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced' group, which frequently handles follow-on damage claims stemming from global cartel investigations. Stationed in the Chicago office, Stephen Wu focuses on antitrust litigation in the healthcare space, while Katharine O’Connor represents clients in cases involving the manufacturing, food and finance sectors. Elsewhere, Michelle Lowery in Los Angeles excels in class action conspiracy, monopolization and exclusive dealing cases. In 2020, Stefan Meisner moved to Crowell & Moring LLP while former practice co-head David Hanselman took up a role as deputy county attorney in Maricopa County.

The antitrust team at McGuireWoods LLP represents a wide variety of corporations, trade associations and individuals in follow-on civil litigation, as well as other civil antitrust disputes, including indirect purchaser litigation. The Chicago-based Amy Manning heads up the practice group, which has experience in a full range of disputes concerning allegations of price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation, no-poach agreements, monopolization, predatory pricing and price discrimination. In Richmond (Virginia), Howard Feller and Brent Justus are noted for their track records in complex antitrust litigation, particularly in the manufacturing space.

Morrison & Foerster LLP is retained by clients in a broad range of follow-on cartel damages claims, and other class actions and multi-district litigations, spanning the automotive parts, technology, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, financial services and transportation sectors. Jeff Jaeckel co-chairs the global antitrust practice group with Lisa Phelan, who was appointed to the co-chair position in November 2020; both are located in the firm’s Washington DC office, alongside David Cross and Megan Gerking, the latter of whom was made partner in early 2020. Stationed in the firm’s San Francisco office, Eliot Adelson and Bonnie Lau routinely defend companies in antitrust litigation involving claims of price-fixing, output suppression, monopolization and group boycotts.

The team at Norton Rose Fulbright litigates traditional antitrust class actions and RICO-related claims from offices across the country. The group is regularly involved in cases in the healthcare sector, though it has additional expertise in pharmaceuticals and consumer products, areas in which New York-based group head Robin Adelstein in a name to note. Contacts in the firm’s Houston office include monopolization and conspiracy expert Darryl Anderson, Layne Kruse and Eliot Turner.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP acts for well-known tech clients in disputes that lie at the intersection of antitrust and technology law. Specifically, the team has an excellent reputation for handling no-poaching disputes, standard-essentials patent and price-fixing cases. A ‘brilliant competition law strategist’, Jay Jurata in Washington DC heads up the department. Within the group, San Francisco-based of counsel Howard Ullman is particularly well versed in cases arising from the California insurance sector, where he advises on Sherman Act cases and healthcare antitrust matters. In early 2020, Alex Okuliar left to take up a role at the DOJ.

Paul Hastings LLP frequently represents financial institutions, funds and other companies in civil litigation, including those involving alleged violations of the federal securities, commodities and banking laws. Following the departure of Scott Hataway in July 2020, San Francisco-based Tom Brown now heads up the department. Key names to note within the group include Washington DC-based Michael Spafford and Anthony Antonelli in New York, both of whom are well equipped to handle antitrust claims involving securities, derivative products and other financial instruments. Also based in New York is Barry Sher, who is retained by a number of major investment banks for antitrust litigation.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP combines investigations expertise with deep experience in follow-on class actions and direct action litigation especially in the electronic components sector. Praised by clients for its ability to build and develop collaborative relationships with in-house attorneys and co-counsel, the group is led by Roxane Polidora, an ‘exceptionally bright, experienced’ attorney who has expertise in cartel cases. Also of note, Jacob Sorensen specializes in price-fixing cases while recently promoted partner Laura Hurtado has provided key support on several of the team's standout cases. All named attorneys are based in San Francisco.

The team at Proskauer Rose LLP is regularly involved in bet-the-company antitrust litigation. Particularly active in conspiracy and price-fixing cases, the department is most active in the agriculture and food sectors, and, more specifically, in matters involving agricultural co-operatives. Stationed in the firm’s Washington DC office, monopolization and competitor foreclosure expert Colin Kass and price-gouging specialist Christopher Ondeck jointly head the practice group. Financial services, healthcare and sport are additional sector strengths for the team.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP's antitrust group defends clients in cases involving alleged monopoly violations, joint collaborations, market foreclosures and other competitor and supplier-side suits. Led from the firm’s San Francisco office by Michael Scarborough, the team is plugged into the cartel defense space, where it handles follow-on cartel litigation and related class actions, particularly in the electronics sector. It has particular expertise in issues arising at the intersection of antitrust and IP law. Based in Washington DC, Leo Caseria and Michael Cohen are both well versed in price-fixing, boycott, and monopolization cases.

Vinson & Elkins LLP has experience handling a wide variety of antitrust civil litigation and class actions in state and federal courts but has particular expertise in monopolization and single-firm conduct cases. Working from the firm’s Washington DC office, Darren Tucker heads up the overall practice, which is retained by clients from a number of core industry sectors. Also in Washington DC, Alden Atkins is a name to note for aviation sector cases, and Craig Seebald handles cartel investigations as well as related civil litigation, and has expertise in cases involving patents and IP law. Additionally, energy expert Jason Powers in Houston provides key support to the antitrust litigation group.

The practice at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is well equipped to handle private antitrust litigation, including class actions and multi-district litigation. The antitrust litigation group is led by Corey Roush, who has experience acting in high-stakes matters and represents a variety of individuals and corporate executives. Also active in this space, Fairley Spillman frequently represents energy and healthcare clients, particularly in issues at the nexus of antitrust and intellectual property law. All named attorneys are based in Washington DC.

Perhaps best known for handling monopolization and conspiracy cases, the team at Ballard Spahr LLP is led by Leslie John, whose class action experience includes antitrust suits in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Other key figures in the team include Jason Leckerman, who focuses on general antitrust claims, and Stephen Kastenberg, who focuses on antitrust disputes with IP law components. All named attorneys are based in the Philadelphia office.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP litigates putative class actions across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, energy, transportation, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Monopolization and price-fixing expert Ted Hassi and antitrust-savvy litigator Michael Schaper, based in Washington and New York respectively, jointly lead the group. Counsel Erica Weisgerber’s practice encompasses both class and individual actions. In January 2020, former group co-heads Daniel Abuhoff and Gary Kubek retired from the partnership, but remain with the team in of counsel roles.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has a solid track record in follow-on claims and standalone litigation, including cross-border cases. Based in Washington DC, Paul Yde and Eric Mahr (the latter of whom jointly heads the firm's global antitrust litigation group) regularly represent clients in complex cases at trial and on appeal in federal district and appellate courts throughout the US.

Based in New York, Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP represents defendants in a full range of cases, including price-fixing, bid-rigging, tying, exclusive dealing and monopolization. Hector Torres and vastly experienced regulatory expert Kevin Arquit jointly head the practice alongside trial specialist Sheron Korpus, a 'smart, strategic, trustworthy, and easy-going but a fierce and effective advocate'. A trusted firm for bet-the-company antitrust cases, the group has experience in a huge variety of sectors, as evidenced by its recent work, which has covered shipping, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, manufacturing, agricultural, tech, telecoms and publishing.

Ropes & Gray LLP has experience on the defense and plaintiff sides, and litigates matters arising from both private disputes and government investigations, with a notable focus on the life sciences, healthcare, telecoms and technology sectors. Located in Washington DC, Mark Popofsky has a deep understanding of the interaction of IP and antitrust laws. Popofsky heads up the group, which frequently assists clients in cases pertaining to monopolization, exclusive dealing and tying, unfair competition, group boycotts, and price-fixing conspiracies. Another name to note is Chong Park, who divides time between San Francisco and the firm's main antitrust hub in the Washington DC.