James Tierney

The former chief of the U.S. Justice Department’s Networks and Technology Enforcement Section (Net Tech), Jim focuses his practice on antitrust and competition law at Orrick, advocating before federal agencies on behalf of the firm’s global clients in the technology, energy & infrastructure and finance sectors.

As Net Tech chief, Jim oversaw all civil antitrust enforcement in the tech and financial services sectors, reviewing, investigating and, when necessary, litigating, every major strategic technology transaction and conduct issue in the past decade. He oversaw civil antitrust enforcement, competition advocacy, and competition policy in the areas of computer hardware and software, high-technology component manufacturing, financial services, securities industries, and professional associations. Jim also led the agency’s cooperation with antitrust and competition authorities worldwide.

Jim is a five-time recipient of the Assistant Attorney General Award of Distinction, and also received the prestigious Roberts Award in 2011 for excellence, leadership and dedication in the enforcement of antitrust laws. Prior to becoming Net Tech’s chief, he served for three years as assistant chief of the Antitrust Division’s Litigation 2 section and was a trial attorney in the agency from 1994 to 2003. He also served in the Antitrust Division’s Professions and Intellectual Property section. He clerked for Washington State Supreme Court Justices James A. Andersen and Fred H. Dore.