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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Expands US Antitrust Team with New Partner Hire

By  |  March 19, 2026
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) has announced the addition of prominent antitrust attorney David Pearl as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office, marking another step in the firm’s ongoing expansion across the United States.

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    The move comes as part of a broader investment strategy in the U.S. market, following recent hires in key offices, including Washington and New York. According to a statement, the firm has been steadily strengthening its presence and capabilities in antitrust law as demand for complex regulatory and competition advice continues to rise.

    Pearl will focus on a wide range of antitrust matters, including litigation, government investigations, merger reviews, and foreign investment issues. Per a statement, his nearly two decades of experience across both private practice and government roles aligns with the firm’s goal of enhancing its antitrust offering both domestically and internationally.

    Before joining HSF Kramer, Pearl was a partner at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP. His earlier career included work at Jones Day and a role at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he contributed to policy initiatives in coordination with the White House and other federal agencies, according to a statement.

    Over the course of his career, Pearl has handled significant antitrust cases, including matters involving major corporations and complex litigation under key U.S. antitrust laws. Per a statement, his work has included representing technology and food industry clients in high-profile disputes and advising companies on major mergers and acquisitions subject to regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions.

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    Related: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Expands US Antitrust Team

    Firm leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the hire. According to a statement, Global CEO Justin D’Agostino said Pearl’s arrival reflects the firm’s continued growth momentum in the U.S. and its ambition to expand its global antitrust practice, particularly in sectors such as technology.

    Paul H. Schoeman, the firm’s U.S. Executive Partner, emphasized the increasing need for advanced antitrust expertise, noting per a statement that Pearl’s experience with cross-border litigation and complex transactions will provide immediate value to clients operating internationally.

    Kyriakos Fountoukakos, who leads the firm’s competition, regulation, and trade practice, also pointed to Pearl’s track record in handling sophisticated antitrust matters across global markets. According to a statement, he described the new partner as a strong addition to the firm’s international team.

    Pearl himself expressed enthusiasm about joining the firm, citing the opportunity to help build a comprehensive U.S. antitrust practice within a global platform. Per a statement, he said he looks forward to collaborating with colleagues to further develop the firm’s competition capabilities and deliver integrated services to clients worldwide.

    The appointment reflects a broader trend among major law firms seeking to deepen their expertise in antitrust law as regulatory scrutiny intensifies across industries and jurisdictions.

    Source: HSF Kramer