A PYMNTS Company

Debevoise Strengthens Washington Team With Senior DOJ Hire

By  |  October 13, 2026
Knowledge Is Power in B2B Buyer-Supplier Dynamics

Debevoise & Plimpton has hired George “Chip” Nierlich, a former senior litigation official at the U.S. Department of Justice, as a partner in its Washington-based antitrust practice, expanding the firm’s expertise in competition law and regulatory enforcement.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    Subscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Nierlich joins the firm after serving in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, where his most recent position was acting director of litigation, according to an Oct. 13 report by Bloomberg Law.

    We’d love to be your preferred source for news.

    Please add us to your preferred sources list so our news, data and interviews show up in your feed. Thanks!

    Add as Preferred Source

    During his government tenure, Nierlich supervised major antitrust investigations and litigation involving mergers and business conduct across several industries, including technology and health care, Bloomberg Law reported, citing an announcement from Debevoise.

    His experience includes handling complex investigations and courtroom proceedings involving competition-related disputes. The firm said his private practice will concentrate on major antitrust matters and transactions, drawing on his background in federal enforcement.

    The appointment adds a former senior Justice Department official to Debevoise’s Washington office, providing the firm’s antitrust team with additional experience in government investigations, merger reviews and litigation.

    Nierlich’s move also illustrates the value law firms place on attorneys with direct experience in federal competition enforcement, particularly when advising corporate clients on transactions and regulatory scrutiny.

    Source: Bloomberg Law