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Paul, Weiss Expands Antitrust Team with Hires in Washington

By  |  September 15, 2025

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP announced today that three antitrust lawyers—David Higbee, Ben Gris and Djordje Petkoski—are joining the firm as partners in its Washington, D.C. office. The trio will work within the firm’s Antitrust Practice, offering counsel on merger control, government and internal investigations, and complex litigation. According to a statement, their combined experience spans industries such as technology, financial services, energy, life sciences, and defense.

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    The firm emphasized the significance of the move, noting that the addition of these lawyers strengthens its ability to address the most pressing competition issues for global clients. Per a statement, Higbee, Gris, and Petkoski will bring both litigation expertise and regulatory insight.

    Higbee, who previously led a global antitrust practice, brings notable government experience, having held senior roles at the U.S. Department of Justice, including Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Chief of Staff of the Antitrust Division. His work has been recognized by publications such as Chambers USA and The Legal 500.

    Related: Four Partners Exit Paul Weiss Amid Controversial Trump Deal, Plan to Launch New Law Firm

    Gris adds deep knowledge of regulatory investigations, with more than a decade at the Federal Trade Commission. As Assistant Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, he oversaw merger investigations and litigation across a range of sectors, including chemicals, semiconductors, and recorded music.

    Petkoski offers a track record of defending companies and executives in cartel and monopolization cases. He has represented corporate and individual clients in matters before the DOJ and international regulators, and also advises on mergers, joint ventures, and competitive business practices.

    The Antitrust Group at Paul, Weiss represents clients worldwide in merger reviews, government investigations, litigation, and compliance matters. According to the firm, the expansion reflects its commitment to providing sophisticated, strategic advice in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

    Source: Paul Weiss