Department profile
Covington & Burling LLP

Antitrust

USA Guide 2026 : District of Columbia


Covington & Burling LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Antitrust - District of Columbia

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Covington & Burling LLP has a high-quality antitrust team featuring an impressive bench of talented attorneys with significant agency experience. Renowned for its representation of clients in investigations before the DOJ and FTC and also regularly involved in highly significant criminal and civil litigation, as well as high-stakes cartel defense. Well equipped to advise clients from a broad base of industries, including finance, technology and entertainment.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Covington & Burling LLP represented NFL in the antitrust class action challenge to its 'Sunday Ticket' broadcasting arrangements. On appeal, the judge overturned the $4.7 billion jury verdict.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Covington team has a well-connected and very experienced group of lawyers. We feel confident in their ability to handle difficult matters.

    Antitrust respondentUSA
  • Covington has expertise, precision and pragmatism.

    Antitrust respondentUSA
  • The firm is very capable handling complex antitrust matters. It helps resolve questions quickly and always accommodates requests.

    Antitrust respondentUSA
  • Covington & Burling bring a pragmatic and common sense approach.

    Antitrust respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Thomas O Barnett
    Band 1Thomas O Barnett

    Thomas O Barnett

    Thomas Barnett is noted for his litigation defense work on behalf of household-name clients, particularly in the technology sector. A former Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division of the DOJ, he offers clients leading representation in government investigations.
    • Tom is a giant of the antitrust Bar.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
  • Band 2Derek Ludwin
    Band 2Derek Ludwin

    Derek Ludwin

    Derek Ludwin is a leader of the firm's antitrust litigation practice. He guides clients through complex class and individual action litigation, and is particularly well known for his work with clients in the sports sector.

    • Derek is a trusted adviser in assessing our industry and understanding antitrust risks.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
    • Derek is a subject matter expert.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
  • Band 4James Dean
    Band 4James Dean

    James Dean

    James Dean is well placed to advise clients from the energy and life sciences sectors on antitrust clearance and litigation.
    • James is great. He is a very valued partner.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
  • Band 5John Playforth
    Band 5John Playforth

    John Playforth

    John Playforth is noted for his handling of high-risk antitrust litigation. He regularly acts in major class action suits.

    • John is very organized, analytical and smart. He understands the client and their business well.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
    • John is extremely responsive and an expert.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
  • Band 5Robert D Wick
    Band 5Robert D Wick

    Robert D Wick

    Robert Wick is commended for his work as a litigator in the antitrust space. He represents significant clients in class and individual actions.
    • Robert is a superb lawyer who truly understands clients' desires.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
    • Robert is a very smart attorney.

      Antitrust respondentUSA
  • Band 5Terrell McSweeny
    Band 5Terrell McSweeny

    Terrell McSweeny

    Terrell McSweeny is commended for her work across a wide array of antitrust disputes. Clients benefit from her extensive experience as former Commissioner of the FTC.
    • Terrell is very highly regarded. Her lawyer skills are matched by her personability.

      Antitrust respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Covington & Burling LLP (6)

District of Columbia

Covington & Burling LLP has rankings in the following guides

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