Global Competition Review — Dechert Co-Chair Heads to Steptoe & Johnson
By: Alex Wilts | September 3, 2020
Michael Weiner has joined Steptoe & Johnson as a partner in the firm’s New York office after almost 10 years as co-chair of Dechert’s competition group.
Weiner represents clients in complex litigations as well as merger control matters. Speaking to GCR USA, he said Steptoe provides “a really good platform” for his practice and clients as he begins a new chapter in his career.
He also praised the Steptoe partners he has previously worked with, who he described as “enthusiastic” and “highly talented”.
Steptoe chair Phil West said in a statement that Weiner “is an extremely accomplished antitrust lawyer who has a long track record of success in all phases of competition-related matters.”
He added that Weiner is “an excellent addition” to the firm’s US and international antitrust practice, and will also be a valuable resource to clients in regulated industries.
Weiner recently represented American Express Global Business Travel in its 2018 acquisition of Hogg Robinson Group. He also served as counsel to Fresenius Medical Care in its purchase of NxStage Medical, which the Federal Trade Commission approved in 2019 after the companies agreed to divest NxStage’s bloodline tubing set business.
On the litigation side, Weiner represented Travelport to settle American Airlines’ allegations in 2013 over the travel services company’s alleged exclusionary tactics.
Before joining Dechert in 2011, Weiner spent more than 30 years at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom.
A Dechert spokesperson said in a statement: “We thank Michael for his contributions to the firm and wish him all the best on this next chapter in his career.”
Steptoe now has four antitrust partners in the US. Internationally, the firm has seven partners, four of counsel and seven associates dedicated primarily to competition matters.