Axinn Bolsters Antitrust Practice with Addition of Three Former Federal Enforcers

Matheson joins the firm from the Federal Trade Commission, while Rouse and Moore previously served in leadership and trial roles within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Rouse will be based in the firm’s San Francisco office, and Matheson and Moore will work out of Washington, D.C., per a statement.

The firm said the hires are aimed at reinforcing both its litigation bench and its growing presence on the West Coast as enforcement activity intensifies nationwide. “Axinn continues to invest in top-tier talent and trial capabilities as we deepen our commitment to clients and their most complex challenges,” said Jeny Maier, managing partner of Axinn. “The addition of Dan, Katrina, and Jimmy reflects our strategic growth across high-stakes markets and reinforces our position as the premier antitrust practice in the country.”

Matheson most recently served as Chief Trial Counsel in the FTC’s Bureau of Competition. In that role, he oversaw litigation handled by the agency’s Litigation Group and advised senior leadership on enforcement strategy and case direction, according to a statement. He acted as lead trial counsel in the FTC’s case against Meta Platforms over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp and also handled merger and monopolization matters brought by the agency.

Rouse brings more than a decade of senior-level experience at the Justice Department. She previously led the Defense, Industrials and Aerospace Section and also held the role of Deputy Director of Civil Enforcement. In those capacities, she helped guide enforcement strategy and supervised investigations and litigation across industries including healthcare, defense, industrial markets, and technology, per a statement.

Read more: Former DOJ Antitrust Chief Joins Axinn as Partner in San Francisco

Mike Keeley, chair of Axinn’s Antitrust practice, highlighted the combined experience of the new partners. “Dan’s first-chair trial experience in several of the FTC’s most significant tech merger and monopolization cases and Katrina’s senior DOJ leadership across defense and aerospace position this group to win for clients navigating today’s heightened enforcement environment,” Keeley said.

Rouse’s addition is also expected to strengthen the firm’s West Coast capabilities. “Katrina and Dan’s additions are particularly significant as we continue building our West Coast presence,” said Daniel Bitton, who heads Axinn’s West Coast practice. “Their deep expertise in the technology and defense sectors, along with their merger litigation and trial experience, make them critical additions for our clients across the region.”

Moore most recently worked as a trial attorney at the Justice Department, where he litigated merger and conduct cases. His experience includes work on the DOJ’s successful challenge to JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines, according to a statement. In that matter and others, he directed litigation strategy and managed investigative teams.

“Jimmy’s trial work on some of the DOJ’s most prominent airline and merger challenges reinforces Axinn’s reputation as a go-to firm for clients who need seasoned litigators in the courtroom,” Keeley said. “Along with Dan and Katrina, this group represents exactly the talent we need to deliver results for clients at trial.”

Source: Morning Star