Kenneth Dintzer Joins Crowell & Moring as Senior Partner in Antitrust Division
Kenneth Dintzer, with a remarkable career spanning over three decades at the Department of Justice (DOJ), has recently joined Crowell & Moring as a partner within their Antitrust, Competition, Government Contracts, and Litigation groups. His extensive litigation experience includes several high-stakes and high-profile cases, most notably leading the case against Google that has been framed as pivotal for the future of online services. This case, titled United States v. Google, involved an extensive ten-week trial, resulting in a district court ruling that found Google had violated antitrust laws by monopolizing critical markets such as general search and search advertising under Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
Dintzer's legal career has been marked by a consistent record of success, having represented the interests of the federal government across multiple presidential administrations. He has taken on the roles of lead counsel and supervising attorney in numerous trials—over 20 to date—while also engaging in the intricate dance of depositions, motions, and appeals in court. His advocacy has reached as high as the Federal Circuit, where he successfully defended regulatory measures, such as the bump stock regulation, against significant legal challenges. In his capacity as deputy branch director, he oversaw more than 100 attorneys defending massive claims valued in the billions.
Philip T. Inglima, the chair of Crowell & Moring, praised Dintzer for his exceptional legal acumen, highlighting his history of being a go-to attorney for the government in some of its most complex cases. Dintzer himself expressed enthusiasm about joining Crowell & Moring, stating his admiration for the firm’s litigation prowess and the opportunity to work with clients who face substantial trials during a time of significant transformation in the legal landscape. The ever-evolving scrutiny from antitrust regulators is a primary challenge that clients must navigate, particularly in technology sectors, and Dintzer's rich background uniquely positions him to provide invaluable insights and strategies for addressing these challenges.
Among his key achievements at DOJ, Dintzer led the defense in the Starr International v. United States case, involving a claim for $40 billion regarding the government’s interventions during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. This case highlighted Dintzer's ability to manage large teams and coordinate extensive depositions, ultimately culminating in a successful verdict after a rigorous 35-day trial. His involvement in the Winstar litigation also stands out, where he played a crucial role in defending against financial damage claims amounting to tens of billions, stemming from the regulatory responses to the Savings and Loan crisis of the 1980s.
As the legal environment continues to shift, particularly with growing expectations for transparency and compliance from antitrust regulators, Crowell & Moring, with Dintzer on board, is poised to tackle these evolving complexities. Jason Murray, co-chair of Crowell's Antitrust and Competition Group, noted that Dintzer's unique qualifications will enhance their reach into various sectors and help clients confront intricate investigations and litigation with confidence.
Additionally, Dintzer is set to contribute to the mentorship and training of junior attorneys at Crowell, leveraging his extensive teaching experience at the DOJ's training center at the University of South Carolina. With a law degree from the University of Michigan and a background in computer programming, Dintzer aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled trial lawyers through Crowell's Trial Excellence Academy. His exemplary career trajectory and substantial credentials indicate a promising future not only for himself but also for Crowell & Moring as they navigate the complexities of today's legal environment together.