Clifford H. Pearson

Clifford H. Pearson, a founding partner of Pearson Warshaw, LLP, has made significant contributions to antitrust law since the firm’s establishment in 2006. His focus on such litigation has led him to handle complex and high-stakes cases, particularly in the technology sector. Pearson has been instrumental in leading major antitrust cases like In re Lithium Ion Batteries Antitrust Litigation, which resulted in $139 million in settlements and In re TFT-LCD (Flat Panel) Antitrust Litigation, with a substantial $473 million in settlements and a favorable jury verdict.

Over the past 15 years, he has observed a significant change in the complexity of antitrust cases. Conspiracies have become more intricate and secretive, making it challenging to detect their impacts. This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of antitrust law and the necessity for skilled legal practitioners in navigating these complexities.

Two notable cases Pearson worked on recently further exemplify his experience, North American Soccer League, LLC v. United States Soccer Federation, Inc. and Major League Soccer, L.L.C. and In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation. In North American Soccer League, LLC v. United States Soccer Federation, Inc. and Major League Soccer, L.L.C., Pearson Warshaw represents the North American Soccer League (NASL) in this case alleging antitrust violations by the U.S. Soccer and MLS. The complaint accuses these entities of hindering NASL’s ability to compete against MLS and the United Soccer League. Set for trial in 2024, this case is significant because it challenges anticompetitive conduct in major sports entities, particularly in restricting soccer growth in the United States.

“North American Soccer League is significant because it is a non-class case that alleges anticompetitive conduct by two major sports entities,” Pearson said. “The alleged conduct (which was directed only at our client) restricted the growth of soccer in the United States. The 2024 trial will be very interesting, including some celebrity testimony.”

In In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation, Pearson Warshaw is co-counsel and represents a class of direct purchaser plaintiffs against the largest broiler chicken producers in the U.S. The case, which concluded with a defense verdict in October 2023, involved allegations of production limitation.

“Broilers was vigorously litigated for seven years and our team had to fight every single motion and filing,” Pearson said. “All the success that resulted from that hard work is why we secured over $284 million in settlements, with nearly $100 million obtained less than one month before trial.”

Pearson added: “Defendants seem more intent to try cases. While we always aim to get the best result for our clients, we also view this as a great opportunity for our attorneys to gain valuable experience.”