David R. Pearl
Partner
David Pearl, a partner with extensive experience in both the private sector and government, uses his expertise to help technology companies and other clients navigate complex antitrust challenges. He represents clients in high-stakes litigations and investigations by the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and international competition authorities across Europe, Australia, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and beyond. David also provides strategic guidance on cross-border merger reviews, addressing both antitrust concerns and foreign direct investment issues.
David R. Pearl
Partner
David Pearl, a partner with extensive experience in both the private sector and government, uses his expertise to help technology companies and other clients navigate complex antitrust challenges. He represents clients in high-stakes litigations and investigations by the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and international competition authorities across Europe, Australia, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and beyond. David also provides strategic guidance on cross-border merger reviews, addressing both antitrust concerns and foreign direct investment issues.
A Harvard Law School graduate, David is skilled at balancing strategic vision with actionable results. He has a proven track record of leading large teams across various law firms to achieve successful outcomes. Notably, David has extensive experience with Section 2 of the Sherman Act, representing Google in litigations involving both government enforcers and private plaintiffs related to Google’s advertising technology business.
Prior to joining Axinn, David was a senior political appointee at the U.S. Department of the Treasury during the Obama Administration. In this role, he drove cross-functional teams to advance policy initiatives across the Treasury portfolio in coordination with the White House and other federal agencies. From this vantage point, David was able to contribute to the Treasury Department in a variety of ways, including spearheading Congressional testimony prep, assessing transactions subject to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review, and leading planning efforts for the 2016 Presidential Transition.
At Axinn, David contributes to the Diversity Committee and the ABA Antitrust Section Task Force on Antitrust, Consumer Protection, and Diverse Consumers. He’s also dedicated to promoting fair elections, having supported every Democratic Presidential campaign since 2008 and co-founding a voting rights technology start-up. David started his career in antitrust and competition at a global law firm.
Experience
- Representing Google in numerous litigations and investigations into its advertising technology business practices in the U.S. and other jurisdictions.
- Defended Tyson Foods Inc. in a consolidated treble-damages class action case alleging industry-wide conspiracy to manipulate the price of broiler chicken in the Northern District of Illinois.
- Represented Stanley Black & Decker Inc. in its initial acquisition of a 20% stake in, and subsequent acquisition of the remaining 80% of, MTD Holdings Inc., a worldwide leader in outdoor power equipment.
- Represented Goodrich Corporation in its $18.4 billion acquisition by United Technologies Corp.
- Represented Clear Channel Communications, Inc. on its acquisition of Metro Networks, a producer and distributor of local radio programming.
- Represented Essilor International in its acquisition of 50 percent of Shamir Optical Industry Ltd., an Israeli ophthalmic lens technology company.
- Represented Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in connection with a Department of Justice investigation into its proposed acquisition of Physicians Health Plan of Mid-Michigan.
- Represented Hostess Brands, Inc. in the sales of its Wonder, Merita, Nature's Pride, Home Pride, and Butternut bread brands and associated bakeries to Flowers Foods, Inc.
* Includes matters handled prior to joining Axinn
Honors
- Chambers USA – District of Columbia: Antitrust (2024)
- U.S. Department of Treasury, Treasury Medal, the second-highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (2017)
Education
- JD – Harvard Law School (2008)
- BS, Psychobiology, cum laude – University of California, Los Angeles (2004)
Admissions
- California
- District of Columbia
Quotes
David is extremely organized and pragmatic.
Chambers USA
David Pearl is just excellent technically. He really is able to understand everything and convey the takeaways as necessary to the other side.
Chambers USA
News & Insights
News & Insights
Chambers USA 2024 Ranks 16 Axinn Lawyers, including 14 Antitrust Partners, and Recognizes the Firm in Seven Jurisdictions
Awards & Recognitions
Antitrust
The OCC's New Bank Merger Act Rulemaking: Signs of Life in Bank Merger Reform?
Axinn Viewpoints
Antitrust
Axinn Promotes James Hunsberger, Kail Jethmalani, and David Pearl to Partner, Carol Liu to Counsel
News
Antitrust
The Not-So-Silk Road: The Proliferating Regulatory Obstacles to Chinese Investment in the U.S.
Publications
Antitrust
Axinn Matter Named 2022 GCR Behavioural Matter of the Year – Americas
News
Antitrust
Federal Government Enhances Focus on Labor in Antitrust Reform
Publications
Antitrust
Axinn Represented Stanley Black & Decker in its $1.6B Acquisition of the Remaining 80% Stake in MTD Holdings
News
Antitrust
Klobuchar Proposes Bill That Would Overhaul U.S. Antitrust Law
Publications
Antitrust
Axinn Promotes Daniel Oakes and Craig Reiser to Partner, Kenina Lee and David Pearl to Counsel
News
Antitrust
Highlights From OECD Roundtable on Conglomerate Mergers
Publications
Antitrust