Sheppard is pleased to announce that Luke Taeschler has joined the firm as a partner in the Antitrust and Competition practice group in New York.
Taeschler joins from Crowell & Moring LLP and previously served as a trial attorney in the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition. He is the second partner to join Sheppard’s New York office this month, following private client services partner Brian Sieben, who joined from Davis Polk. With these recent additions, Sheppard’s New York office now boasts nearly 200 lawyers.
Taeschler brings more than 12 years of experience representing clients at every stage of the antitrust lifecycle before the FTC and Department of Justice, from high-stakes class and competitor actions to merger review and clearance, government investigations and day-to-day counseling. He brings strategic judgment and business-forward solutions to matters where outcomes can redefine markets and materially affect growth plans. His cross-industry practice spans healthcare, technology, sports, pharmaceuticals, financial services, automotive and optical markets.
“Luke is a widely respected, multifaceted antitrust lawyer. As our clients continue to navigate unprecedented change in their industries, Luke’s experience guiding businesses through complex regulatory matters, transactions and disputes makes him an invaluable asset to our Antitrust practice,” said Luca Salvi, chair of Sheppard.
During his tenure at the FTC, Taeschler investigated horizontal and vertical mergers and a wide range of potentially exclusionary business conduct. He led Section 2 investigations examining exclusive dealing and other unilateral conduct issues such as serial acquisitions, steering, rebating and bundling, giving him a practical, enforcement-side perspective on how regulators evaluate complex competition concerns.
Over the course of his career, Taeschler has advised on notable matters including:
- Represented one of the largest national real estate brokerages in an antitrust case alleging Section 1 and 2 claims against Zillow;
- Represented a major integrated health system defending a putative antitrust class action challenging the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ pharmacy residency program and its matching algorithm;
- Represented a large health system in connection with several consummated transactions; and
- Defended a leading nuclear waste disposal company at trial against the Department of Justice’s Section 7 challenge to its proposed acquisition of a competitor.
Leo Caseria, co-leader of Sheppard’s Antitrust & Competition practice group, said, “With his experience at the FTC and in private practice, Luke brings a keen understanding of the scrutiny and roadblocks that can impede our clients’ business goals, which will be a huge asset in helping to structure deals and navigate complex merger reviews across many industries. He also brings a wealth of litigation experience in antitrust matters should our clients face those challenges. We are delighted to have him join our team.”
“Sheppard’s antitrust practice attracts some of the most sophisticated client work. I’m excited to be working with such a top-notch group of lawyers and to help clients achieve their goals,” Taeschler said.
Taeschler obtained his B.A., cum laude, from Boston College and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School.
About Sheppard’s Antitrust and Competition Practice
Sheppard delivers practical advocacy in complex antitrust and competition matters worldwide, from cartel investigations to antitrust litigation to merger reviews. With former DOJ, FTC and DG Comp officials, global reach and proven trial success, we deliver strategic antitrust solutions for complex matters. Drawing on decades of experience in litigation, investigations and merger review, we advise clients facing enforcement from U.S. and international agencies, defend them in civil and criminal proceedings, and steer them through deals with confidence. Recognized by Legal 500 US in 2026 as a top practice for antitrust, with standout strengths in cartel matters, civil litigation and class action defense and merger control, we are known for offering clear and pragmatic advice. We help companies and executives contain business risk by anticipating government tactics, moving quickly to identify early resolution opportunities and advancing business priorities. When litigation is necessary, our team’s record of court victories sets us apart.