Sherman, William R.

William R. Sherman

Of Counsel

    Sherman, William R.

    William R. Sherman

    Of Counsel

    “William Sherman is an experienced litigator with proven skills at both trial and appellate level, particularly in global antitrust class actions.”

    Chambers USA 2015

    Profile

    William Sherman retired from the partnership in March 2020. He was a partner in the Litigation & Trial Department of Latham & Watkins and a member of the firm’s nationally recognized Antitrust & Competition Practice. Mr. Sherman was an experienced trial lawyer particularly in antitrust class action litigation.

    Mr. Sherman had represented numerous Fortune 100 companies and multinational corporations in connection with nationwide and worldwide antitrust class action claims. He has extensive experience in large, multi-party litigation, and he has led the defense of complex, cutting-edge antitrust cases in federal and state courts, at both the trial and appellate levels.

    In addition he has represented a variety of clients in other types of both civil and criminal matters, including: 

    • Defending corporate business practices in court and before state and federal regulatory bodies 
    • Representing high-ranking government officials in First Amendment and other actions, including constitutional challenges to election results 
    • Representing state agencies, cities, municipalities, and other organizations in actions of national significance

    Mr. Sherman has been recognized repeatedly in both Chambers USA and The Legal 500 US for his antitrust litigation experience. He is admitted to practice in numerous federal district courts and federal circuit courts of appeal. Prior to practicing law he clerked for Judge Royce C. Lamberth in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

    Experience

    Mr. Sherman currently represents: 

    • One of the world’s largest air cargo carriers in a multi-district antitrust class action alleging a worldwide conspiracy by major carriers to impose fuel surcharges and set rates on air cargo shipments. On behalf of all defendants, Mr. Sherman successfully argued for dismissal of claims on Twombly and preemption grounds. He serves as chief spokesperson for the joint defense group
    • A prominent Wall Street financial firm, for which he recently achieved dismissal of all claims against that client in an antitrust class action with respect to a multi-billion dollar leveraged buyout
    • One of the world’s largest private equity firms in a major antitrust class action alleging that private equity firms and banks conspired to fix the terms of multi-billion dollar leveraged buyouts
    • One of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers in multiple federal and state antitrust class actions alleging a conspiracy to preclude the importation of vehicles from Canada. On behalf of all defendants, achieved summary judgment on all federal claims, as well as reversal of class certification. Mr. Sherman also successfully defeated related claims in multiple state court actions
    • A major airline in a multi-district antitrust class action alleging a conspiracy to fix prices and fuel surcharges on trans-Pacific passenger flights. On behalf of all defendants, Mr. Sherman successfully argued for dismissal of claims based upon foreign purchases under the Foreign Trade Antitrust Improvements Act
    • A Fortune 100 corporation in a multi-state antitrust class action alleging price fixing of fiberglass insulation. Mr. Sherman also achieved dismissal of a related class action brought by indirect purchasers

    Other experience includes: 

    • Representing one of the world’s leading sellers of self-adhesive labelstock in multi-state antitrust class actions alleging price fixing 
    • Representing a Fortune 100 corporation in connection with potential antitrust claims related to pricing, internet and exclusive distribution policies 
    • Representing a losing gubernatorial candidate in constitutionally based election challenge, resulting in twelve-day bench trial* 
    • Representing a Fortune 100 automobile manufacturer against Robinson-Patman claims in federal court and in several administrative trials, defending corporate policy in actions brought by state regulators and private parties* 
    • Defending the governor of Puerto Rico in First Amendment action alleging that government advertising was withdrawn in retaliation for unfavorable press coverage* 
    • Representing the Arizona municipal water district in conspiracy and RICO action in federal court; claims dismissed in decision of first impression under Arizona law* 
    • Representing two individuals in investigation by Baltimore U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding alleged misuse of funds by Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention* 
    • Winning large jury verdict on behalf of physician in Texas state court action for defamation and malicious prosecution* 
    • Winning dismissal of contract claim filed against Colorado physician group and successfully brought countersuit on behalf of physicians*

    *These matters were handled by Mr. Sherman while he was employed at another law firm.

    Qualifications

    Bar Qualification

    • District of Columbia
    • New York

    Education

    • JD, American University Washington College of Law, 1987
      magna cum laude
    • BA, Cornell University, 1982

    Practices