Axinn Welcomes Former DOJ Antitrust Division Leader Jacklin Chou Lem to San Francisco Antitrust Practice
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP announced today that Jacklin “Jackie” Chou Lem, who most recently served as Civil Chief of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, has joined its Antitrust practice as a partner in the San Francisco, CA office.
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Axinn is proud to announce that 23 partners have been recognized in Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Litigators in America” guide for 2026.
Axinn Welcomes Former DOJ Antitrust Division Leader Jacklin Chou Lem to San Francisco Antitrust Practice
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP announced today that Jacklin “Jackie” Chou Lem, who most recently served as Civil Chief of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, has joined its Antitrust practice as a partner in the San Francisco, CA office.
FTC Drops Its Non-Compete Ban, but Vows Continued Enforcement
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has abandoned its defense of the rule proposed by the Biden Administration banning almost all employer-employee non-competes. As a result, the broad non-compete rule is dead.
Axinn Attorneys Recognized in Lawdragon’s 2026 “500 Leading Litigators in America” Guide
Axinn is proud to announce that 23 partners have been recognized in Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Litigators in America” guide for 2026.
Axinn Welcomes Former DOJ Antitrust Division Leader Jacklin Chou Lem to San Francisco Antitrust Practice
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP announced today that Jacklin “Jackie” Chou Lem, who most recently served as Civil Chief of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, has joined its Antitrust practice as a partner in the San Francisco, CA office.
Antitrust
Axinn’s full-service antitrust practice stands among the largest and most experienced. Our team works coast to coast and across borders to deliver integrated counsel on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), litigation, and government investigations.
Global Leader in Antitrust
Celebrated as a top-ranked antitrust practice by Chambers and Partners and Global Competition Review, Axinn is renowned for representing some of the world’s largest companies in matters of the highest strategic importance. Our track record of success includes leading high-profile civil and criminal litigations and investigations. Orchestrating approximately half a trillion dollars in M&A transactions, we have gained clearances for intensely contested deals, including the largest cash merger in U.S. history, the largest-ever tech deal, and other landmark transactions.
Unmatched Experience
We don't just understand the government authorities you'll face – we have inside agency experience. Our team of more than 70 dedicated antitrust lawyers includes former high-ranking officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as well as European Union antitrust regulators. Our dual perspective and experience enable us to tackle the most challenging multinational antitrust issues.
Deep Commitment to Client Success
Invested in our clients' success, we provide in-depth analysis and dedicated advocacy. Our inquisitive and incisive approach enables us to navigate the most complex legal issues with precision. We value collaboration and inclusivity, evidenced by our success in leading multijurisdictional teams to resolve sprawling litigations and advance cross-border deals.
Our reputation as tenacious advocates for strategic transactions is built on our track record of obtaining global clearances for multibillion-dollar deals combining industry rivals.
Axinn lawyers regularly serve as lead counsel, overseeing co-counsel around the world. Our unique experience and perspectives make us adept at developing cohesive strategies to address regulators’ concerns head-on and gain approvals in the most challenging jurisdictions.
Experience:
- Broadcom’s $69 billion acquisition of VMware.
- Dell’s $67 billion acquisition of EMC.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific’s $13.2 billion acquisition of Life Technologies and $12.5 billion tender offer to acquire QIAGEN .
Axinn’s substantial experience as lead counsel in Section 7 challenges to mergers includes:
- Obtained a judgment rejecting the DOJ’s bid to block SunGard’s $825 million acquisition of Comdisco’s business recovery assets.
- Successfully litigated against the DOJ’s attempt to block George’s Inc.'s sale of assets to Tyson Foods after the sale had been completed.
- Successfully litigated against the City of New York in its efforts to stop Group Health Inc.'s acquisition of HIP Insurance Company.
Employing a sophisticated yet practical approach, Axinn has defended major industry players in some of the most high-profile and complex antitrust litigations and deal reviews in recent history. From private treble-damage class actions and sprawling multidistrict litigations (MDL) to price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation, and other antitrust claims, we resolve cases strategically and efficiently. Our experience extends to monopolization disputes, merger trials, criminal defense, and internal investigations.
Our inquisitive nature drives us to explore all facets of antitrust claims, ensuring comprehensive and diligent representation across industries. We consistently apply our creativity and bottom-line perspective to achieve exceptional outcomes in matters involving third-party subpoena defenses, leniency applications, antitrust compliance, and government investigations.
Experience:
- Representing Tyson Foods in multiple class action lawsuits alleging collusion among competitors.
- Representing Alvogen in the sprawling Generic Drugs MDL and in its antitrust counterclaims against Indivior relating to Alvogen’s launch of a generic equivalent to SUBOXONE®sublingual film.
- Representing Momenta Pharmaceuticals in a monopolization and class action lawsuit.
In today’s aggressive enforcement environment, the choice of cartel counsel is crucial. Lawyers must be incisive advisors, inquisitive strategists, and invested advocates. Axinn embodies these qualities.
We pride ourselves on handling the two largest price-fixing investigations of the past decade. We’ve represented clients in cartel investigations by major global authorities, including:
- DOJ
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
- Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense
- Canadian Competition Bureau
- European Commission
Our ranks include former federal prosecutors and leaders from the DOJ Antitrust Division who have overseen criminal investigations, trials, and policy initiatives. Leveraging our government experience, we take an integrated approach to managing all aspects of representation: compliance programs; internal investigations; government probes; criminal proceedings; and civil litigation.
We understand that each client’s goals and challenges are unique and devise tailored, creative strategies to resolve investigations.
We excel in leading complex matters at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property (IP) laws. Combining our advanced technical training and focused IP experience, we regularly advise on standard-setting and fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory issues.
Clients call on us to conduct thorough internal investigations and to develop and implement robust antitrust compliance programs. Our client-centric approach empowers clients to navigate the most challenging antitrust landscapes with confidence.
Experience:
- Representing Google before FTC with respect to Standard Essential Patents
- Representing Red Hat before DOJ with respect to patent acquisitions
- Representing Motorola Mobility before FTC regarding patent issues
Our appellate lawyers combine firsthand government service with proven advocacy in high-stakes appeals. With former federal and state appellate clerks, U.S. Department of Justice and State Solicitor General’s Office veterans, and experienced Supreme Court practitioners, we distill complex trial records into concise, persuasive arguments.
We handle appeals across antitrust, commercial, intellectual property, and government enforcement matters—including by stepping in post-trial to preserve victories or reverse adverse rulings. We also work seamlessly with trial teams to preserve key issues, develop case strategy, and present the strongest possible arguments. From briefing to oral argument—and through merits briefs, petitions for discretionary review, and amicus submissions—we deliver targeted strategies that protect outcomes and shape the law.
Insights
Event
|November 3, 2025
On November 3, Axinn antitrust practice chair Mike Keeley will speak on the "Competition Law Compliance in the World of Shifting Antitrust Enforcement and High Tech" panel at the International Bar Association's Annual Conference, being held November 2-8 in Toronto. ...Read more
Event
|October 22, 2025
On October 22, Axinn counsel Kenina Lee will speak on the "Algorithms and Antitrust: The Legal Risks of AI-Driven Pricing" panel at Transperfect Legal's LegalNext conference in New York....Read more
Event
|October 21, 2025
On October 21, Axinn partner James Hunsberger will speak on the "Antitrust Considerations in Joint Ventures" panel at Informa's Antitrust Texas conference in Houston....Read more
Event
|October 14, 2025
Axinn is pleased to sponsor this year's MCCA Gala on October 14. ...Read more
Event
|October 8, 2025
Antitrust 101: Trial-Minded Antitrust Discovery
On October 8, Axinn partner Jacklin Chou Lem will speak on the "Antitrust 101: Trial-Minded Antitrust Discovery" webinar, hosted by the California Lawyers Association. ...Read more
Event
|October 7, 2025
ABA Antitrust Plaintiffs' Roundtable 2025
On October 7, Axinn partner Jacklin Chou Lem will speak on the American Bar Association Antitrust Plaintiffs' Roundtable in San Francisco. ...Read more
Event
|October 6, 2025
Women, Influence, & Power in Law Conference 2025
On October 6, Axinn partner and chief workplace culture & opportunity officer Leslie Overton will speak on the "A View From Within: Insights from the Regulators in an Era of Uncertainty" panel at ALM's Women, Influence, & Power in Law Conference, being held October 6-8 in Washington, DC. ...Read more
Event
|October 5, 2025
Consero Healthcare General Counsel Forum 2025
Axinn is proud to sponsor Consero's Healthcare General Counsel Forum, being held October 5-7 in Dallas, Texas. ...Read more
News
|October 2, 2025
|1 min read
Profiles in Leadership Journal has named Axinn counsel Lindsey Strang Aberg to their 2025 list of “Women Worth Watching in Leadership.” This year, the publication recognized 31 distinguished women whose careers, leadership, and mentorship continue to inspire change across industries....Read more
Event
|September 30, 2025
Pro Bono Partnership 28th Anniversary Gala
Axinn is pleased to sponsor Pro Bono Partnership's 28th Anniversary Gala. ...Read more
Practice Chair
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