Kirkland & Ellis LLP has significantly bolstered its antitrust practice with the addition of John Harkrider and Craig Minerva, both formerly of Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP. Harkrider, a founding partner of Axinn, brings nearly three decades of experience in antitrust law, while Minerva, who joined Axinn in March 2020, adds further depth to Kirkland’s team.
Harkrider expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, “Kirkland has built one of the world’s leading antitrust practices, anchored by an unrivaled transactional platform and exceptional strength across merger reviews, investigations, litigation and regulatory counseling.” He emphasized the firm’s collaborative culture and its track record in handling significant antitrust matters as key factors in his decision to join. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/social-justice/kirkland-poaches-antitrust-partner-pair-from-axinn-boutique?utm_source=openai))
Minerva, who previously served as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, brings valuable government experience to Kirkland. His background includes advising on complex antitrust issues and contributing to high-profile cases during his tenure at the DOJ. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/social-justice/kirkland-poaches-antitrust-partner-pair-from-axinn-boutique?utm_source=openai))
This strategic acquisition aligns with Kirkland’s ongoing efforts to enhance its antitrust capabilities. In recent years, the firm has attracted several prominent antitrust attorneys, including Maria Raptis in August 2025, and former FTC officials Norman Armstrong Jr. and Daniel Zach in January 2024. ([kirkland.com](https://www.kirkland.com/news/press-release/2025/08/kirkland-ellis-adds-nationally-recognized-antitrust–attorney-maria-raptis?utm_source=openai))
These additions reflect Kirkland’s commitment to providing comprehensive antitrust services, encompassing merger reviews, litigation, and regulatory counseling. The firm’s expansion comes at a time of heightened antitrust enforcement, positioning it to effectively navigate complex regulatory landscapes for its clients.
Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP, known for its focus on antitrust, intellectual property, and litigation, has also been active in strengthening its team. In February 2026, the firm welcomed three seasoned antitrust litigators: Daniel Matheson from the FTC, and Katrina Rouse and Jimmy Moore from the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. ([businesswire.com](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225403123/en/Axinn-Adds-Three-Seasoned-Antitrust-Litigators-Reinforcing-Trial-Bench-and-West-Coast-Presence?utm_source=openai))
The movement of top-tier antitrust talent between firms underscores the dynamic nature of the legal industry, as firms adapt to evolving regulatory challenges and client needs in the antitrust arena.