Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, LAW FIRM NEWS: Firms recognize attorneys for honors, ABA Antitrust Section appointments, (Aug 28, 2026)

By WK Editorial Staff

In addition, antitrust and consumer protection attorneys make moves.

American Bar Association Section of Antitrust Law leadership appointments were celebrated by law firms recently. Separately, a number of attorneys whose practices involve antitrust work were recognized for honors from Benchmark Litigation and Lexology. Other law firm news included recent hires. See more details below.

Recognition

ABA Antitrust Law Section leadership roles. Firms recognized their attorneys who took leadership roles in the ABA Section of Antitrust Law for 2026-2027. Hausfeld celebrated that Scott Martin, partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s US Antitrust Practice Group, was named Chair-Elect of the Section. This is the highest position a member of the plaintiffs’ bar has held in the Section’s 74-year history, according to the firm’s announcement.

In addition to Martin’s appointment, Hausfeld announced the following leadership appointments for the 2026–2027 term: Melinda R. Coolidge, US Managing Partner in Washington, DC, moved from Co-Chair of the International Cartel Task Force to Vice Chair of the Finance Committee for 2026-2027; Bonny E. Sweeney, Partner in San Francisco, became Co-Chair of the International Cartel Task Force for 2026-2027; Daniel P. Weick, Partner in New York, became Associate Editor of the Antitrust Law Journal for 2026-2027; Yixi (Cecilia) Cheng, Counsel in New York, was selected as Counsel to the Section Chair-Elect for 2026-2027; Erika A. Inwald, Associate in New York, was appointed Vice Chair of the Agriculture & Food Committee for 2026-2027 within the ABA Antitrust Law Section and, in separate development. Additionally, Lesley Hannah, Partner in London, chairs the Section’s fifth biennial Global Private Litigation Conference, to be held in Amsterdam in June 2027.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati also announced that 12 of its attorneys were appointed to serve in the Section leadership. Antitrust partner Beau Buffier continues as vice chair of the State Enforcement Committee. Jamillia Ferris, co-leader of the firm’s Antitrust and Competition practice, was re-appointed as co-chair of the 2027 Antitrust Spring Meeting. Maneesha Mithal, co-leader of the firm’s Data, Privacy, and Cybersecurity practice, was appointed as vice chair of the Privacy and Information Security Committee. Ken O’Rourke, a partner, was re-appointed co-chair of the Global Private Litigation Committee and chair of the High Stakes Antitrust Litigation Salon.

Additionally, Maureen Ohlhausen, co-leader of the firm’s Antitrust and Competition practice, was appointed as a member of the Long Range Planning Committee for the Antitrust Section. Taylor Owings, a partner, has been appointed vice chair of Antitrust Magazine. Brian Smith, a partner, was appointed vice chair of the Trial Practice Committee. Brent Snyder, who leads the firm’s regulatory and compliance department, continues his role as chair of the Programs Committee and vice chair of the International Cartel Workshop. Julia Tarver Wood, a partner, was appointed vice chair of the Trial Practice Committee.

Further, Robin Crauthers, senior counsel, was appointed vice chair of the ABA Antitrust Janet D. Steiger Fellowship. Crauthers also received the Antitrust Law Section’s “Outstanding Performance Award” for her leadership and contributions to the Janet D. Steiger Fellowship Project. Angela Brown, an associate, continues her role as the young lawyer representative on the Legislation Committee. Jordanne Steiner, an associate, continues as the young lawyer representative on the Civil Practice and Procedure Committee.

Benchmark Litigation - Top 250 Women in Litigation.Katherine B. Forrest was among the seven Paul Weiss litigation partners recognized on Benchmark Litigation’s annual list of the “Top 250 Women in Litigation.” The list, published on August 13, honors the most distinguished women in litigation across the United States. Forrest formerly served as a Deputy Assistant General in the Department of Justice Antitrust Division.

Also, Weil litigation partner Diane Sullivan, whose practice includes antitrust, has again been named to Benchmark Litigation’s “Top 250 Women in Litigation 2026.” This is the seventh consecutive year Sullivan has been honored among the nation’s top litigators by Benchmark Litigation.

Benchmark Litigation - 40 & Under List. Axinn announced that partners James Hunsberger, Kail Jethmalani, and Ali Vissichelli have been named to Benchmark Litigation’s 2026 “40 & Under List.” These lawyers, all experienced in the field of antitrust, were selected based on their work on complex, high-profile matters and their accomplishments in the field.

In addition, seven Paul, Weiss litigation partners were named to the “40 & Under List,” including Nina Kovalenko. Kovalenko focuses her practice on complex civil litigation and trial practice across a range of substantive areas, including antitrust matters.

Further, Cravath partners Sharonmoyee Goswami, Lauren M. Rosenberg, David H. Korn, Brittany L. Sukiennik, and Michael J. Zaken, all antitrust litigators, were named to the “40 & Under List.”

Additionally, Hausfeld reported that five of its partners, all of whom include antitrust as practice areas, have been included in the “40 & Under List.” Those recognized include Katie R. Beran, Philadelphia; Swathi Bojedla, Washington, DC; Nathaniel C. Giddings, Washington, DC; Mary Sameera Van Houten Harper, Washington, DC; and Jane Shin, Washington, DC.

Lexology.Elai Katz, Partner at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, was among those honored by Lexology Index for competition law. Katz represents clients in complicated antitrust cases, including class actions alleging price fixing, monopolization, and other competition claims.

Moves. Squire Patton Boggs has announced that Ernest Eric Elmore has joined the firm’s global Antitrust & Competition Practice as Of Counsel following a career including over three decades at the FTC, where he most recently served as Senior Antitrust Counsel.

In addition, Laura Onken, another former FTC attorney, took to social media to announce that she was joining the antitrust team at Kirkland & Ellis as a partner.

Lastly, Claudia Vetesi moved to Pillsbury’s San Francisco office as partner from Morrison & Foerster LLP. Vetesi defends companies in consumer class actions and complex litigation involving false advertising, unfair competition, product liability, pricing and other claims.

Attorneys: Beau Buffier, Jamillia Ferris, Maneesha Mithal, Ken O’Rourke, Maureen Ohlhausen, Taylor Owings, Brian Smith, Brent Snyder, Julia Tarver Wood, Robin Crauthers, Angela Brown, Jordanne Steiner (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati). Scott Martin, Melinda R. Coolidge, Bonny E. Sweeney, Daniel P. Weick, Yixi [Cecilia]Cheng, Erika A. Inwald, Lesley Hannah, Katie R. Beran, Swathi Bojedla, Nathaniel C. Giddings, Mary Sameera Van Houten Harper, Jane Shin (Hausfeld LLP). Katherine B. Forrest, Nina Kovalenko (Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP). Diane Sullivan (Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP). James Hunsberger, Kail Jethmalani, Ali Vissichelli (AxinnLLP). Sharonmoyee Goswami, Lauren M. Rosenberg, David H. Korn, Brittany L. Sukiennik, Michael J. Zaken (Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP). Elai Katz. Ernest Eric Elmore (Squire Patton Boggs). Laura Onken (Kirkland & Ellis LLP). Claudia Vetesi (Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP). (Morrison & Foerster LLP).

Companies: American Bar Assn

News: Antitrust FederalTradeCommissionNews AntitrustDivisionNews IndustryNewsTrends