A PYMNTS Company

Davis Polk Expands Antitrust Practice With New Partner Hire

By  |  May 27, 2026
Knowledge Is Power in B2B Buyer-Supplier Dynamics

Davis Polk announced that Jessica Delbaum has joined the firm as a partner in its Antitrust & Competition practice in New York, according to a statement released by the firm.

    Get the Full Story

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

    yesSubscribe 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.

    Delbaum brings significant experience advising clients on the antitrust dimensions of complex mergers and acquisitions across a range of industries. Per a statement from the firm, her work has focused on defending transactions before the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as managing multijurisdictional antitrust reviews tied to global deals.

    “Jessica has extensive experience advising on the antitrust aspects of complex M&A transactions across multiple industries and brings a deep understanding of deal process and strategy,” said Neil Barr, chair and managing partner of Davis Polk. “Our clients are pursuing increasingly sophisticated M&A transactions, and as our M&A practice continues to grow, Jessica is a fantastic addition to our preeminent antitrust team. We are pleased to welcome her to Davis Polk.”

    According to a statement, Delbaum also advises clients on antitrust compliance matters involving competitor collaborations, joint ventures, distribution agreements, business practices and Hart-Scott-Rodino Act requirements. Her industry experience includes agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, aviation, technology, chemicals, media and finance.

    Delbaum joins Davis Polk from A&O Shearman, where she had served as a partner since 2012.

    Read more: Davis Polk Discusses the Return of Antitrust Remedies in Merger Settlements

    Before entering private practice, Delbaum worked in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the Attorney General’s Honors Program from 2001 to 2004. Per a statement, she handled investigations involving mergers and acquisitions, Hart-Scott-Rodino reporting obligations and civil price-fixing matters during her tenure at the agency.

    “Jessica is a highly respected antitrust practitioner, regarded for her substantive experience and her commercial and pragmatic approach,” said Arthur Burke, co-head of Davis Polk’s Antitrust & Competition practice. “Antitrust considerations have become increasingly central to deal execution, and Jessica’s arrival further strengthens our ability to advise clients across the full lifecycle of an M&A transaction. I am excited to welcome Jessica to the team.”

    Multiple legal industry rankings, including Chambers USA and Legal 500, have recognized Delbaum’s antitrust work, according to a statement. Chambers USA clients described her as “smart and responsive,” “intelligent and pragmatic,” “practical and knowledgeable,” and “a really strong and trusted thought partner.”

    Delbaum said, “I am delighted to join Davis Polk’s distinguished antitrust team and look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to support clients in their most significant mergers and acquisitions.”

    She earned her law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where she served as Articles Editor of the International Law Journal. She also received a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Columbia College.

    Source: Davis Polk