In recognition of Wilkinson Stekloff’s remarkable run of wins in some of the past year’s most consequential trials and matters, the National Law Journal selected three of the firm’s attorneys for honors in its 2024 Legal Awards. Founding Partner Beth Wilkinson and Partner Rakesh Kilaru were named joint finalists in the Winning Litigators category, and Counsel Sarah Neuman was named a Rising Star. The NLJ Legal Awards is a prestigious annual series that highlights the top litigation work of law firms and attorneys from the previous year.
Beth and Rakesh secured the Winning Litigators recognition for their work taking on some of the largest and most complex antitrust litigation in the country. They led the team that won the second largest merger trial in American history and the biggest involving a technology company, defeating the FTC’s motion for a preliminary injunction to block Microsoft’s proposed $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. They continue to represent Microsoft in the FTC’s appeal in the Ninth Circuit and the FTC’s challenge to the merger through an administrative proceeding. Beth and Rakesh also represent longtime client NCAA in the groundbreaking $2.77 billion proposed settlement of antitrust claims by broad classes of student-athletes seeking greater compensation and benefits, one of the largest antitrust matters ever resolved. And this summer, following nearly a decade of litigation, Beth and Rakesh, along with Founding Partner Brian Stekloff, led the Wilkinson Stekloff team that convinced U.S. District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez to set aside a Los Angeles federal jury’s original $4.7 billion award to the plaintiffs in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit. Their strategic application of sophisticated trial technique to antitrust practice has truly changed the game for market-leading organizations facing challenges to their fundamental business practices.
Sarah’s recognition as a Rising Star follows her work as a key member of the Wilkinson Stekloff team dubbed “the legal equivalent of an elite special ops unit” by The American Lawyer for its win on behalf of Microsoft. Sarah played an integral role in defeating the FTC motion for a preliminary injunction aimed at blocking Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This massive litigation conducted at lightning speed involved a preliminary injunction trial that began 10 days after the FTC filed a complaint in federal court. Sarah is known as a go-to leader and is regularly called upon to manage large case teams on significant matters. Since joining the firm in 2017, Sarah has been a member of four winning trial teams.
Read the complete list of the National Law Journal Legal Award 2024 winners and finalists here. Winners for the Winning Litigator category will be unveiled during an awards event at the Fairmont Washington D.C.-Georgetown on October 24. This event will also honor Sarah and her fellow Rising Stars.