Seyfarth Shaw LLP‘s regular workload includes representing corporations and executives in litigation and arbitration relating to trade secrets misappropriation. Some of the services provided by the firm are temporary restraining order applications, unfair competition advice, and non-compete transactional support. The team successfully handles mandates involving high-value damages and cross-border elements. Heading the practice from Chicago, Michael Wexler is a specialist in cutting-edge issues and high-tech products. Dawn Mertineit, also in Boston, is a seasoned litigator; Gary Friedman in New York is an adept advisor on high-value claims; Houston-based Jesse Coleman is experienced in bet-the-company matters; and Daniel Joshua Salinas in Los Angeles provides key support. Robert Milligan retired in May 2025, Katherine Perrelli retired in January 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
- Covetrus, Inc.
- Kelsey-Seybold Medical Group, PLLC
- Lars Knudsen
- Lonza Group, AG
- McKesson Corp.
- OmPrem Solutions
- Panda Express/ Panda Restaurant Group
- Procon Pacific, LLC
- Stryker Corporation
- TELUS International
- US Foods
Work highlights
Represented Panda Express in a $100 million arbitration involving claims of trade secret misappropriation, breach of contract, and confidentiality issues.
Representing TELUS International in cross-border arbitration and related Canadian proceedings concerning enforcement of restrictive covenants and trade secret misappropriation.
Represented Lonza Group AG in a $10 million action against a former senior executive for trade secret misappropriation and breach of contractual obligations, obtaining favourable injunctive relief and settlement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Michael Wexler
Other key lawyers
Dawn Mertineit; Gary Friedman; Jesse Coleman; Daniel Joshua Salinas