Offering a comprehensive cross-border practice, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is equipped to handle the full range of cartel work, including both civil and criminal investigations, litigation defense, and enforcement matters. Regulatory advice is another strength of the team, which includes several former officials from the FTC and the DOJ. Leah Brannon leads the team alongside Jeremy Calsyn, who specializes in global cartel investigations and defense in follow-on class actions. Brannon is recommended for handling investigations by the DOJ, FTC and the European Commission. Being particularly experienced in the application of complex economics to antitrust matters, Kenneth Reinker’s practice spans an array of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare, high-technology, media and financial institutions. Daniel Culley has a track record in cross-examinations of government witnesses and focuses on high-tech industries and two-sided markets, while Brian Byrne in San Francisco is adept in cross-border enforcement matters, as well as antitrust-related civil litigation and reviews of M&A. Experienced first-chair trial attorney Heather Nyong’o is equipped to represent her clients, which include multinational corporations and executives, in domestic and international cartel investigations and litigation. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Experienced in every aspect of antitrust law, ranging from investigations to DOJ and FTC civil antitrust enforcement and compliance, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP comfortably operates across an array of sectors, with particular capabilities in the financial services, pharmaceuticals, retail, and high-tech industries. The team is jointly steered by Rachel Brass in San Francisco, former Deputy Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition Stephen Weissman, and Cynthia Richman, with Richman experienced in representing clients in grand jury investigations by the DOJ as well as the defense of companies before state and federal courts. Specializing in domestic and international labor and employment-related matters,  Brass has acted in numerous investigations by the FTC, DOJ, European Commission, Korean Fair Trade Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, among others, contributing to the firm’s strength in handling international matters, which is reinforced by Scott Hammond and Jeremy Robison, who both are references for multinational companies that are involved in cartel investigations outside of the US and EU. Robison’s practice focuses on matters related to price fixing, customer allocation, bid rigging, and no-poach agreements, while Hammond is a port of call for clients in need of crisis management. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Latham & Watkins LLP fields numerous lawyers with previous experience working for the DOJ and FTC, and has a successful track record in dealing with both cartel investigations, as well as follow-on litigation defense. Working together closely with the firm’s offices in Europe, the group is sought out by domestic and multinational companies from various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, retail, software, real estate, and healthcare. The team is headed by global chair Amanda Reeves in Washington DC, and global vice chair Belinda Lee in San Francisco, with Lee being recommended for advising US, European and Asian clients in government investigations before regulators and courts across the globe. Also in San Francisco, Niall Lynch is lauded for acting in criminal and civil price-fixing investigations, including those with ties to Brazil, Korea, the UK and Canada. As a former DOJ trial lawyer, New York-based Elizabeth Prewitt is adept at the full spectrum of cartel work, including investigations and trials relating to price fixing, bid rigging and no-poach agreements.

Housing a ‘great international practice’, White & Case LLP regularly acts for US-based companies in international cartel proceedings, and is geared to handle both criminal proceedings and linked damage claims.  The representation of international clients in matters related to the Sherman Act is another noted specialism of the team, and includes vast experience with summary dispositions, trials and appeals in US courts. Exemplifying this in particular is practice head and trial expert Mark Gidley, who recently represented clients from the fintech, education, financial services and energy sectors. Pharmaceutical companies benefit from the firm’s dedicated pharmaceuticals and healthcare group, which is led by Peter Carney, and offers niche expertise in investigation and antitrust litigation concerning allegations of product hopping in this sector. Adam Acosta is another name to note, focusing on government investigations and antitrust litigation. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Jointly led by Debbie Feinstein and Jonathan Gleklen, Arnold & Porter’s antitrust and competition team combines expertise in defense against government investigations with proficiency in private antitrust litigation to advise across the full spectrum of cartel matters, and offers special knowledge of antitrust-related ESG topics. Capable of acting in numerous industries, the team is well versed in handling cartel investigations related to auto parts, municipal bonds, air cargo, maritime shipping, industrial chemicals, and orthopedic implant devices. Recommended for his expertise in government contracting matters, Chicago-based Andre Geverola leads the group’s cartel investigation practice and frequently handles matters related to labor and financial markets, as well as healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Having previously acted as Director of Criminal Litigation in the Antitrust Division, Geverola is adept at working with an array of antitrust enforcement agencies from across the globe, including those from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the European Union. Being well-versed in multi-district disputes, James L Cooper is another experienced litigator, as is trial lawyer Laura Shores. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s antitrust and competition practice works together with experts from the firm’s white-collar group to offer advice on the full range of criminal and civil cartel matters, with notable strength in multijurisdictional proceedings. Recent work highlights include the securing of a dismissal of criminal antitrust charges against an individual in connection with a DOJ criminal investigation and an indictment alleging price fixing in the broiler chicken industry. Jarrett Arp heads the firm’s antitrust practice in Washington DC and specialises in advice on antitrust and competition law, as well as investigations and litigation at trial and appellate court levels. Leading the firm’s global antitrust and competition group, New York’s Arthur Burke is engaged by domestic and international technology and media companies as well as financial institutions for advice on cartel and antitrust aspects of M&A transactions, civil litigation and investigations. Also in New York, Paul Mishkin is particularly adept in matters regarding the alleged manipulation of benchmark rates and prices for financial products.

Hogan Lovells US LLP's recent workload includes matters in the TMT, life sciences, automotive, defense, and financial services industries. The group’s multi-faceted capabilities encompass domestic and international cartel investigations, where the team leverages the firm’s global antitrust team, internal investigations, and leniency matters, which are often related to employment or public procurement. The creation and implementation of antitrust compliance programs with a focus on cartel conduct is another key competence of the team. Kathryn Hellings is at the helm of the practice and offers particular expertise with no-poach agreements, while Dan Shulak conducts internal investigations and is well versed in supporting global companies in cross-border investigations by multiple enforcement agencies. Both are well supported by Melissa Levitt, who is representing both companies and individuals in governmental – criminal and civil – investigations, and is also equipped to handle related civil litigation and arbitration.

Fielding a team of cartel experts, many of whom have experience serving in government agencies such as DOJ and FTC, Jones Day is highlighted by clients as ‘one of the few firms that can handle a cartel matter from investigation to potential trial’, and noted for its experience acting in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, energy and technology segments. In Washington DC, practice head Craig Waldman's broad practice extends to advice on ESG-related cartel issues. Also in Washington DC, Julie McEvoy is well versed in representing clients in both investigations and trials. Splitting his time between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Eric Enson is a port of call for international investigations, having a track record of defending companies against claims of price-fixing in the computer components, technology and auto parts industries, among others. Kevin Hart joined the firm’s Washington DC office in March 2023 from the DOJ, covering all aspects of criminal cartel investigations, prosecutions, and litigation, including federal criminal jury trials and grand jury investigations.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP‘s client base comprises domestic and multinational companies as well as individuals, all benefitting from the team’s vast experience with both civil and criminal antitrust matters against the US government, other nations, and international bodies such as the EU Commission.  The team is led by three lawyers: Daniel Laytin's multifaceted caseload includes the entire scope of antitrust work, with recent matters stemming from industries such as material sciences, pharmaceuticals, energy and foods. Covering the intersection of antitrust topics and white-collar crime, James Mutchnik is particularly recommended for defending clients against allegations of price fixing and price discrimination, while Christa Cottrell is an experienced litigator and trial lawyer. All mentioned lawyers are based in Chicago.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers in-depth knowledge of supporting clients from the automotive, electronics, energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and transportation industries, and is adept at every stage of cartel procedures, from initial investigation to representation in trials and related civil litigation, providing ‘great advice on all areas of competition law’. Clayton Everett Jr in Washington DC spearheads the practice and stands out with a track record of multijurisdictional cartel investigations and litigation, including applications for leniency in various countries. His recent work highlights include a multidistrict litigation in the life sciences sector, arising out of a DOJ investigation regarding allegations of price-fixing and market allocation for generic drug products. Boston-based Daniel Savrin specializes in matters related to the automotive sector, representing corporates and executives in criminal antitrust, civil government enforcement, and civil litigation matters. Mark Krotoski left the firm in November 2023.

Morrison Foerster’s team works together seamlessly with practitioners from the firm’s global office network, with a particular focus on the technology, telecommunications, financial services, transportation, healthcare and life sciences fields. Headed by Lisa Phelan and the ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Alexander Okuliar, the group has a notable specialism in advising domestic and international tech companies, and frequently represents Japan-based clients facing antitrust issues in the US. Phelan’s recent workload includes the representation of a producer of expeditionary products in a bid-rigging DOJ investigation into shelter sales to the US military, as well as the support of two national healthcare companies with DOJ no-poach investigations and follow-on civil damage litigation. Described by clients as ‘smart, responsive and strategic’, San Francisco’s Eliot Adelson handles all aspects of internal and government investigations in various jurisdictions, while former DOJ Antitrust Division trial attorney Megan Gerking regularly advises clients on antitrust issues arising from industry consortiums and trade association activities, and is recommended for multidistrict antitrust litigation. Joseph Folio and Rob Manoso are both experienced trial lawyers and were promoted to partner in January 2024. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned practitioners are based in Washington DC.

Acknowledged for a strong presence in the financial services industry, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is recommended for multi-regulator investigations regarding allegations such as price fixing, bid rigging and market allocation. The group is led by Aidan Synnott, litigation expert Brette Tannenbaum , and Andrew Finch, with Finch handling some of the firm’s most significant criminal investigations and private litigation matters. Valued by clients for his ‘trusted and thoughtful advice on difficult assignments’, Joseph Bial, who splits his time between New York and Washington DC, regularly represents clients in cartel litigation in federal district and appellate courts, and before state and federal regulatory agencies, while also handling international cartel and monopolization cases in the US, Europe and Asia. Tee St. Matthew-Daniel's recent work highlights include the representation of a client in cartel investigations into the fragrance industry by European and US antitrust authorities. All mentioned lawyers are based in New York, unless stated otherwise.

Fielding a deep bench of former enforcement attorneys, prosecutors, and trial lawyers from the FTC and DOJ, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP‘s antitrust and trade regulation practice is equipped to support clients from industries such as software, transportation, defense, insurance, and advises on the full spectrum of cartel matters, including internal investigations, leniency programs, criminal and regulatory investigations and advice on dawn raids. Covering allegations of price fixing, market allocation, bid rigging, and no-poach, conduct among others, the team is jointly headed by Peter Guryan in New York, John Terzaken, and Sara Razi. Engaged by clients from all major industries, Terzaken handles antitrust enforcement matters as part of his diverse white-collar practice, while Abram Ellis is a name to note for cartel-related civil litigation. Representing multinational corporations, independent board committees, and senior executives in investigations by federal and state enforcement regulators is a key area of work for Jeffrey Knox. Unless stated otherwise, all lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Described by clients as ‘a strong team with exceptional knowledge’, Winston & Strawn LLP is sought out by corporates and individuals from numerous sectors, with recent engagements in the food and electronic components segments. Co-head Eva Cole focuses on international cartel investigations and class actions, and has a track record of dealing with antitrust authorities from Europe and various countries from across the globe, including Australia, Brazil, Korea and Mexico. Cole leads the group alongside trial lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, who balances a busy workload of criminal and civil investigations, jury trials and civil litigation for domestic and international companies. Both are based in New York, as is Jeffrey Amato, who is another key contact for international cartel litigation and government investigations. In Chicago, Jim Herbison is an experienced litigator, and adept at the full gamut of jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations as part of his multifaceted antitrust practice, which encompasses advice on allegations of price-fixing and bid-rigging. Heather Lamberg left the firm in May 2023.

Highlighted by clients for offering ‘a deep bench of experienced practitioners’, boutique firm Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider is led by Michael Keeley and specializes in handling a multifaceted caseload of cartel matters before antitrust agencies around the globe, with particular strength in price-fixing investigations and niche expertise at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law. ‘Master strategist’ Tiffany Rider exemplifies the firm’s multifarious offering, with her practice encompassing the representation of corporates and individuals in proceedings before the DOJ, the European Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau, while former DOJ official James Attridge ‘s caseload encompasses leniency applications, investigations related to allegations such as labor-market collusion, and internal investigations. All mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Baker Botts L.L.P.’s Washington DC-based antitrust and competition law department is well regarded for its knowledge of the pharmaceutical, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and TMT segments, and offers niche expertise in advising multinational online technology companies on topics such as FTC privacy order compliance. Praised by clients for providing ‘remarkably strategic, timely and thoughtful advice’, John Taladay leads the team and regularly acts in proceedings with involvement of the FTC, DOJ Antitrust Division and the European Commission with noteworthy capabilities in advising on allegations of price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation and unfair trade practices. Erik Koons’ practice extends to bet-the-company antitrust litigation and the whole gamut of related claims, including those related to tying, bundling and monopolization. Former co-head Maureen Ohlhausen and Taylor Owings left the firm in January 2024, while Joseph Ostoyich departed in April 2023.

Noted by clients for providing ‘expertise, results, and industry knowledge’, DLA Piper LLP (US)'s antitrust practice welcomed the arrival of experienced litigator David Hamilton in Baltimore from Womble Bond Dickinson in February 2023, New York-based Amadeu Ribeiro from Mattos Filho in October 2023, as well as the arrival of former federal DOJ prosecutor Carsten Reichel in Washington DC, who joined the team together with other antitrust lawyers from Norton Rose Fulbright in January 2024. Contributing to the firm’s international capabilities, Ribeiro has significant experience working matters with ties to Latin America, while Reichel represents corporations and individuals in antitrust investigations and intertwined civil litigation, and is also recommended for developing compliance programs to mitigate cartel-related risks. With a specialism in highly-regulated industries such as healthcare, insurance and life sciences, John Hamill in Chicago is at the helm of the practice, and well known as an experienced first chair trial lawyer. San Francisco’s Matthew Jacobs excels in cross-border investigation and is sought out by company boards, audit committees, companies and executives for advice on both internal and government investigations. Allissa Pollard left the firm in June 2023. Former practice head Lisa Tenorio-Kutzkey left the firm in January 2024.

With particular experience in the pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and financial services, Linklaters LLP leverages the firm’s global network to support clients on both domestic and international cartel investigations, as well as related civil matters, including class actions and merger clearance, with the latter being a focus area for co-head Antonia Sherman. She leads the practice alongside Douglas Tween, who is a port of call for crisis management,  internal investigations, as well as risk assessments, and has a track record of defending clients in criminal and regulatory investigations and court proceedings. John Eichlin excels at the intersection of consumer protection regulations and antitrust enforcements. Sherman splits her time between New York and Washington DC. Other mentioned lawyers are based in New York.

O'Melveny & Myers LLP’s ‘top notch’ antitrust and competition practice is geared to advise clients on every stage of cartel proceedings, from preliminary investigations through to trial and follow-on civil litigation. Recently, the team has been particularly active in matters related to labor markets, dealing with allegations of no-poach agreements and other hiring practices. The team is co-led by Ian Simmons, who is an expert in multidistrict litigation and is noted for his capabilities at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property topics, and Ben Bradshaw, who is a key contact for the firm’s financial services clients. Both lawyers are based in Washington DC. In San Francisco, Anna Fletcher and Michael Tubach are recommended for cartel trials, with Turbach’s latest achievements including co-leading a team to achieve a complete acquittal for a former CEO accused of fixing prices for broiler chicken. New York’s Brian Quinn was also a part of that team, and offers notable expertise in both criminal and civil cartel defense matters.

With an experienced team that includes several former federal prosecutors and enforcement attorneys from different government agencies such as DOJ, FTC, and US Attorney’s Offices nationwide, Ropes & Gray LLP has a full-service cartel practice that offers vast experience in criminal and civil investigations and follow-up civil litigation, internal investigations, and merger clearance in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and financial services segments. The team is jointly steered by New York’s Michael McGovern, a trial lawyer specializing in high-stakes criminal cases that threaten the survival of companies, and Mark Popofsky, who regularly defends clients in jury trials, class actions, arbitrations and appeals before federal and state courts. Popofsky splits his time between Washington DC and San Francisco, as does Chong Park, whose broad practice extends to acting as first chair in jury trials and federal and state courts, as well as advising on government enforcement actions.

With considerable growth in recent years, Vinson & Elkins LLP is highlighted by clients for offering ‘years of experience and great teamwork’, and is well placed to handle a varied caseload for clients from industries such as technology, automotive, airline, financial services and transportation. Hill Wellford and Houston-based Jason Powers jointly head the group, with Wellford acting in many of the firm’s international mandates, and Powers offering a specialism in energy-related matters. Craig Seebald co-leads the firm’s litigation and regulatory practice, with his capabilities encompassing multijurisdictional cartel investigations and follow-on litigation. Darren Tucker specializes in investigations in the technology, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. In San Francisco, Michael Scarborough and Dylan Ballard are experienced trial lawyers, who frequently represent domestic and international clients in proceedings involving federal and state enforcement agencies. Unless stated otherwise, mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Described by clients as ‘a strong cartel team of former enforcers and private litigators’, Baker McKenzie LLP's team collaborates with the firm’s offices across the globe to handle cartel investigations, related civil litigation, and merger clearance work in industries such as luxury fashion, shipping, and security. The team is steered by Mark Hamer and Creighton Macy, both leading numerous of the firm’s high-stake investigation matters. Brian Burke is sought out by clients from various sectors, including healthcare, technology, power infrastructure, and telecommunications, while New York’s Jeffrey Martino is praised for ‘extensive experience in both domestic and international cartel matters’, and offers strength at the intersection of antitrust law and white-collar crime. Former DOJ prosecutor Ashley Eickhof is a specialist in criminal cartel defense with experience before federal courts. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Comfortably acting across a wide spectrum of industries, including telecommunications, agriculture, aerospace, financial services and defense, McDermott Will & Emery LLP is best known for vast experience in the healthcare sector with particular proficiency at the overlap with technology-related matters. Key contacts for such matters are Chicago’s Stephen Wu and Michelle Lowery, who splits her time between Los Angeles and Chicago. Washington DC-based practice head Raymond Jacobsen’s specialisms include the representation of clients in the defense industry, while Ryan Tisch, who joined the firm from Crowell & Moring LLP in May 2023 and is also based in Washington DC, is adept at antitrust-related regulatory reviews across multiple jurisdictions. New York’s Elai Katz joined the team in August 2023 from Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, strengthening the team’s expertise in the financial services, retail and pharmaceuticals segments. Andrew Lee departed in June 2023.

McGuireWoods LLP advises on all aspects of cartel investigations, including dawn raids, leniency applications, negotiation of plea agreements and responses to subpoenas by the government, and is also adept at follow-on class actions and opt-out cases. The practice is led by Amy Manning, whose recent caseload extends to an amnesty application in a no-poach antitrust investigation conducted by the DOJ, and the representation of a company in an investigation related to antitrust violations in government contracting. Angelo Russo is proficient in both criminal antitrust investigations and civil antitrust regulation, with his areas of expertise encompassing price fixing, bid rigging, wage-fixing and no-poach agreements. Richmond’s Brent Justus has a track record of representing corporate clients and individuals in global antitrust cartel investigations. Unless stated otherwise, all mentioned lawyers are based in Chicago.

Leveraging the firm’s presence across the globe, A&O Shearman regularly represents domestic and international corporations, domestic companies and individuals in criminal and civil matters before the DOJ, European Commission and authorities of EU member states, with notable experience in the financial services and oil and gas industries. Practice head David Higbee in Washington DC is recommended for both government and internal investigations, while Djordje Petkoski specializes in criminal antitrust matters and also handles civil class actions that follow DOJ investigations, and is described by clients as ‘very knowledgeable of antitrust law and current developments’. Patrick Robbins and Ryan Shores left the team in July 2023.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is proficient in acting for domestic and multinational clients in antitrust investigations, prosecutions, and enforcement actions. The team’s strong expertise with matters related to the technology sector is noteworthy, as is its focus on the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law, which extends to topics such as patent pooling, product distribution and licensing restraints. The group is based in Washington DC and headed by Leo Caseria, whose multifaceted workload includes federal and state cartel investigations, and former DOJ official Ann O’Brien, who is recommended for the whole range of domestic, international, and multi-agency cartel matters, including federal jury trials.