Wilkinson Stekloff is a trusted confidant in critical commercial, competition, and product liability mass claims. The Washington DC-based litigation platform is led by Beth Wilkinson, a veteran of headline antitrust trials, and Brian Stekloff, a specialist in mass tort and large-scale commercial litigation. Firm managing partner James Rosenthal is described as ‘a top-notch legal thinker’ in major bet-the-company litigation. They are supported by Rakesh Kilaru, who brings proficiency in antitrust appeals and complex class actions, alongside Kosta Stojilkovic and Moira Penza, both noted for competition litigation, with a strong emphasis on regulatory investigations and government enforcement matters. Jenna Swarbrick and Alysha Bohanon have been praised as ’next generation stars’ for their work in antitrust, patent, sports, and other commercial litigation. All the abovementioned lawyers are based in DC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'This boutique firm has top-quality lawyers top to bottom. The knowledge you have the right counsel and ease of administration makes it worthwhile. ’
‘James Rosenthal is a top-notch legal thinker, writer, and examiner. Beth Wilkinson is an elite trial counsel. Jenna Swarbrick and Alysha Bohanon are next generation stars.'
Key clients
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
- Microsoft
- SAP
- Medtronic
- Cargill
- Visa
- Valve Corporation
- Altria
- Exxon Mobil Corporation
- 3M
- Amazon
- FTI Consulting
- Bayer/Monsanto
- NFL
Work highlights
Led trial strategy for Hewlett Packard Enterprise in defense against the U.S. Department of Justice’s challenge to its $14bn acquisition of Juniper Networks. The DOJ dropped its case shortly before trial, just days after comprehensive pretrial briefing was filed, positioning HPE to close on one of the year’s most significant technology deals.
Served as lead defense negotiator for the groundbreaking $2.8 bn name (National Collegiate Athletic Association), image, and likeness settlement, resolving multiple class actions and reshaping college athletics. The settlement faced judicial review and public challenges, with the team ultimately securing final approval in 2025 after multiple hearings.
Secured a unanimous affirmance from the Ninth Circuit, validating the firm's landmark trial victory defending Microsoft’s $68.7 bn acquisition of Activision against the Federal Trade Commission. The appellate victory led the FTC to dismiss its Part 3 administrative complaint, bringing a close to the litigation.
Practice head
Beth Wilkinson; Brian Stekloff
Other key lawyers
James Rosenthal; Rakesh Kilaru; Kosta Stojilkovic; Moira Penza; Jenna Swarbrick; Alysha Bohanon