Winston & Strawn LLP has announced the addition of Joshua (“Josh”) Hafenbrack as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office. Hafenbrack, formerly a senior litigation counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, brings extensive experience in antitrust litigation and complex civil cases. ([winston.com](https://www.winston.com/en/insights-news/winston-and-strawn-adds-joshua-hafenbrack-as-a-partner-in-washington-dc?utm_source=openai))
During his tenure at the DOJ, Hafenbrack played a significant role in high-profile antitrust cases, including serving on the trial team for a notable search monopolization case. He also led merger and monopolization investigations across various industries, such as technology, media, and telecommunications. ([winston.com](https://www.winston.com/en/insights-news/winston-and-strawn-adds-joshua-hafenbrack-as-a-partner-in-washington-dc?utm_source=openai))
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Hafenbrack stated, “I am excited to join Winston’s commercial litigation and antitrust teams as the firm continues to expand these practices in key markets, especially Washington, D.C.” He highlighted the firm’s strong reputation in handling complex litigation and antitrust matters. ([winston.com](https://www.winston.com/en/insights-news/winston-and-strawn-adds-joshua-hafenbrack-as-a-partner-in-washington-dc?utm_source=openai))
David Rogers, managing partner of Winston’s Washington office, welcomed Hafenbrack, noting that his experience as a first-chair antitrust litigator enhances the firm’s capabilities. Rogers emphasized that Hafenbrack’s background in both private practice and government service aligns with the firm’s strategic growth in the Washington, D.C., area. ([winston.com](https://www.winston.com/en/insights-news/winston-and-strawn-adds-joshua-hafenbrack-as-a-partner-in-washington-dc?utm_source=openai))
The addition of Hafenbrack reflects a broader trend among law firms to strengthen their antitrust practices by recruiting attorneys with government experience. For instance, in July 2025, Paul Hastings LLP announced the hiring of Joshua H. Soven, a former DOJ and FTC official, to bolster its antitrust practice in Washington, D.C. ([paulhastings.com](https://www.paulhastings.com/news/paul-hastings-boosts-antitrust-practice-with-prominent-litigator?utm_source=openai))
Similarly, in May 2025, Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP expanded its antitrust practice by bringing on Mary Helen Wimberly, who had nearly a decade of experience at the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. ([pymnts.com](https://www.pymnts.com/cpi-posts/axinn-expands-antitrust-practice-with-addition-of-former-doj-litigator/?utm_source=openai))
Winston & Strawn’s strategic hiring of Hafenbrack underscores the firm’s commitment to enhancing its antitrust capabilities, particularly in the nation’s capital, to better serve clients facing complex regulatory challenges.