Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announces that George “Chip” Nierlich is joining the firm as a partner in the Antitrust Group, based in the Washington, D.C. office.
Mr. Nierlich joins Debevoise from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he most recently served as Acting Director of Litigation with a particular focus on significant technology-related merger and conduct matters. Before joining the DOJ, he spent nearly two decades at another international law firm, including 13 years as an antitrust partner.
Presiding Partner Peter Furci said, “Antitrust scrutiny continues to play an important role in how companies pursue transactions, compete and grow. Clients increasingly need advisers who understand both the enforcement environment and the business considerations driving their most significant decisions. Chip’s senior DOJ experience, together with his substantial private practice experience, further strengthens our ability to provide that advice.”
Antitrust Group partner Tim Cornell said, “Chip has exceptional experience leading complex merger and conduct investigations and litigating antitrust cases through trial. His understanding of how the DOJ evaluates matters and approaches investigations and litigation, combined with his deep merger experience, will be particularly valuable to clients navigating significant antitrust issues and transactions.”
Mr. Nierlich said, “Debevoise’s strong transactional and litigation practices and collaborative culture make it the right destination for my return to private practice. I’m excited to join the team and bring my government and private practice experience to bear for the firm’s clients.”
At the DOJ, Mr. Nierlich oversaw significant merger and conduct matters involving technology, healthcare and other industries, and brings extensive trial and investigative experience. As Acting Director of Litigation, he was the senior career official overseeing antitrust litigation. He previously served as Acting Director of Civil Enforcement (Mergers) and in leadership roles in the Technology & Digital Platforms and the Defense, Industrials & Aerospace Sections.
Mr. Nierlich received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1997 and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Claremont McKenna College in 1994.