Dechert reinforces transatlantic antitrust practices by securing trio from Orrick

Dechert reinforces transatlantic antitrust practices by securing trio from Orrick

Dechert, an American multinational law firm, has reinforced its transatlantic antitrust practice with the hire of three senior partners from its US rival Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe.

The trio, switching over from Orrick to Dechert, includes the former head of Orrick's antitrust and competition group John (Jay) Jurata alongside Russell Cohen and Doughlas Lahnborg.

The trio would continue to be based in their current respective cities – Jurata in Washington DC, Cohen in San Francisco, and Lahnborg in London.

They bring substantial antitrust experience and have represented clients such as Microsoft, Sonos, and Netflix in antitrust litigation and investigations.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Jay, Russ and Douglas, particularly at a time when antitrust activity in the high-tech industry continues to increase globally," said Mike Cowie, co-chair of Dechert's antitrust and competition practice.

"The expanded antitrust capabilities this team brings to our Washington DC, San Francisco and London offices will be an enormous asset for industry leaders and for the firm," Cowie added.

The trio had joined Orrick in 2008. They joined Orrick when their former firm, San Francisco-based Heller Ehrman, filed for bankruptcy.

Jurata specialises in technology-related legal disputes, particularly in the areas of antitrust and intellectual property law. He has a strong reputation in the field, as indicated by his recognition from Chambers USA.

He has experience representing well-known technology companies like Zillow, LG, and Panasonic. Additionally, he has prior military experience, having served as a surface warfare officer in the US Navy.

Cohen, an experienced litigator, represents high-tech companies in antitrust and unfair competition disputes. He also handles commercial litigation for technology industry companies, particularly those in the funds' space.

Lahnborg founded the Brussels office during his time at Orrick and also led the firm's London office. He specialises in representing global technology companies in cross-border matters before the European Commission and the UK Competition and Markets Authority. His practice areas include merger control, abuse of dominance, and private damages actions. He often works with Jurata on these matters.

Lahnborg termed Dechert as a premier transatlantic antitrust practice and said that the firm's platform will strengthen its global relationships with its clients.

"While I will be focused on expanding Dechert's antitrust capabilities on the ground in the UK and in Brussels, I have been impressed by the accomplishments of my future colleagues in both Europe and the US, and I am eager to collaborate with them," Lahnborg said.