Wilkinson Stekloff has earned widespread acclaim for its role in Microsoft’s high-profile acquisition, contributing to a landmark trial victory against the FTC. The team has also been actively involved in litigation and investigative hearings related to prominent pharmaceutical deals. Co-founders Beth Wilkinson and Brian Stekloff lead the practice, with Wilkinson having spearheaded numerous jury trials and bet-the-company cases. Rakesh Kilaru brings extensive experience with appellate courts nationwide. Kosta Stoljikovic is central to the firm’s ongoing investigations conducted by federal antitrust regulators. All attorneys are based in the firm’s Washington DC, office.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They are top-to-bottom quality litigators, with a wealth of experience to draw from. They exclusively use alternative fee arrangements.'
- 'Beth Wilkinson is a marquee trial lawyer but, unlike some big-time trial lawyers, gets heavily involved in cases even in the early stages of litigation, helping to ensure that the case is as well positioned as possible when trial approaches.'
- 'James Rosenthal is a fully-rounded litigator, able to devise and execute complicated legal strategies as well as take the lead in important depositions and in court.'
- 'Alysha Bohanon is an up-and-coming star, who presents effectively to courts and juries.'
- 'WS is a truly elite trial and litigation firm; I think of them as an "in emergency, break glass" kind of firm. I've worked with Beth Wilkinson for many years and she's exceptional, while surrounding herself with an immensely talented group. I've used them for my highest profile antitrust litigation/trial matters and have recommended both the firm and several of their individual partners to many of my peer companies.''
- 'An elite antitrust and trial firm with exceptionally skilled practitioners top to bottom. Beth Wilkinson is one of the finest trial lawyers available for bet-the-company matters, and she is surrounded by an incredible team.'
- 'Wilkinson uses a very small team of attorneys that is dedicated to its clients' matters and hires only the best and brightest. I can't speak to its billing practices other than I understand that it does monthly flat fees for its clients and does not produce actual time entries.'
- 'Two of the most talented members of the Wilkinson team are Rakesh Kilaru and Cali Arat. Rakesh is one of the most talented attorneys I've worked with in my career. Thoughtful, approachable, and very knowledgeable. Cali's greatest strength is her people skills and managing the personalities of very difficult clients.'
- 'Outstanding team of trial lawyers who I've had the pleasure of working with on multiple matters.'
- 'Rakesh Kilaru is a star – smart, pragmatic, tactical and an outstanding oral advocate.'
Key clients
- Microsoft
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- National Football League
- Cargill
- Visa
- Altria
- Amazon
Work highlights
Represented the NF and its 32 Member Teams in a certified class-action lawsuit.
Secured settlement in a series of class action lawsuits brought by hundreds of thousands of current and former collegiate student-athletes.
Representing Cargill in every aspect of an enormous antitrust multi-district litigation focused on the U.S. cattle and beef industries.
Practice head
Beth Wilkinson; Brian Stekloff
Other key lawyers
Rakesh Kilaru; Kosta Stoljikovic; Sarah Neuman; Cali Arat; Alysha Bohanon; James Rosenthal