Lisa Phelan > Morrison Foerster > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

Morrison Foerster’s antitrust team excels at handling complex matters across the technology, telecommunications, financial services, transportation, healthcare, and life sciences industries, working seamlessly with the firm’s global offices. The group is particularly adept at advising both domestic and international tech companies, including Japan-based clients navigating US antitrust issues. Co-chair Lisa Phelan is a trusted advocate for clients navigating high-stakes government investigations, renowned for her expertise in defending against no poach, information-sharing, and bid-rigging matters. Fellow co-chair Alexander Okuliar represents major clients in litigation, government investigations, and merger reviews. San Francisco-based Eliot Adelson is noted for his expertise in internal and government investigations across multiple jurisdictions. Former DOJ Antitrust Division trial attorney Megan Gerking is recognized for her advice on antitrust matters linked to industry consortiums and trade associations, as well as her skill in multidistrict antitrust litigation. Joseph Folio is noted for his experience in government investigations and high-profile litigation. Unless otherwise noted, all practitioners are based in Washington, DC.

The global antitrust and competition law practice at Morrison Foerster draws on firm-wide depth of expertise in the tech sector to support clients in managing complex, often cross-border transactions. Its multi-jurisdictional experience is particularly notable in regards to work with Japanese clients. Practice co-heads Alexander Okuliar and Lisa Phelan work out of Washington DC: Okuliar brings experience at both the Department of Justice and FTC to work in litigation, government investigations, and merger reviews, including acting as lead counsel to Propel Media in the FTC second request investigation of its acquisition by IQVIA. Also in DC, Michael Miller regularly advises on multinational merger notification matters, and Megan Gerking has notable experience of the pharmaceuticals sector. David Cross and Mary Kaiser both departed the team in July 2024.

From high-profile trials to cross-border M&A, major investigations, class actions, and civil litigation, Morrison Foerster offers distinct antitrust expertise. Practice co-heads Alexander Okuliar and Lisa Phelan, both based in Washington DC, bring extensive experience to the team. Okuliar draws on his deep background in private practice and government roles to handle major litigation, government investigations, and high-stakes merger reviews. Phelan is highly regarded for her defense in cases involving no-poach agreements, information sharing, and bid-rigging. Also in Washington, DC, Rob Manoso frequently advises on antitrust matters in highly regulated industries, including pharmaceuticals, technology, healthcare, and financial services. Based in San Francisco, Bonnie Lau is a skilled litigator adept at managing class actions, multidistrict litigation, and enforcement actions.