US: Antitrust pro James Tierney leaves DOJ for Orrick

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe has snagged a new partner from the federal government for its antitrust practice in Washington, DC.

James Tierney, a longtime career lawyer at the US Department of Justice who most recently led the Antitrust Division’s network and technology enforcement section, leaves his position to join the firm as an equity partner.

Tierney said that the timing of his departure has nothing to do with the political changing of the guard in Washington. The waning of the Obama administration has spurred several major exits since last year, including those of Attorney General Eric Holder Jr., who joined Covington & Burling, and Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr., who has not announced his next destination.

In addition to top administration attorneys, a parade of political appointees and career government lawyers have exited as Washington prepares for the transition. Many have landed at large corporate law firms in the city.

Tierney said he chose Orrick because he had worked closely with one of its newer partners, Alex Okuliar, who left the Federal Trade Commission last year.

“For me, I guess it’s a bittersweet moment,” Tierney said. “I’ve had a long, successful career. I believe in the department’s mission, protecting consumers. But I’ve been here awhile.

“Now seemed as good a time as any” to leave, he added.

Tierney, 62, has been at the DOJ since 1994. Most recently he managed a team of 27 scrutinizing mergers and acquisitions, including a now-canceled deal between Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron and a proposed acquisition involving online review company Bazaarvoice Inc. He did not prosecute criminal antitrust matters.

Full Content: National Law Journal

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