Sean P. McConnell represents U.S. and international clients on the full range of antitrust matters across a wide variety of industries. Mr. McConnell has counseled clients in their most high-stakes and sophisticated matters, including complex class actions, criminal and civil government investigations, and the antitrust aspects of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. His representations span numerous industry sectors, with a focus on pharmaceutical, medical device, transportation, food and beverage, and retail. Mr. McConnell has also advised clients in the securities and complex commercial litigation areas. Mr. McConnell is a Partner in the Commercial, Securities and Antitrust Litigation section of the firm’s Trial Practice Group. Mr. McConnell also maintains an active pro bono practice with a focus on prisoner civil rights cases.

Mr. McConnell is a 2009 graduate of Villanova University School of Law, where he was a member of the Villanova Law Review, and he is a 2005 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Finance. 

Areas of Practice

  • Antitrust and Competition

  • Complex Commercial Litigation

  • Mergers and Acquisitions

Representative Matters

    Antitrust and Competition

  • Defending generic pharmaceutical supplier in multidistrict price-fixing cases.
  • Defending prosthetic device supplier against antitrust claims brought by the FTC.
  • Defended a leading provider of travel commerce marketplace services against claims of monopolization and horizontal and vertical conspiracies in federal district court, resulting in a settlement the client found favorable.
  • Assisted a major U.S. airline complete a successful merger in the face of an intense DOJ and Congressional review of the transaction as well as through litigation in federal court.
  • Represented an office supply retailing company through an eight-month investigation by the FTC and the Attorneys General of several states, obtaining unconditional clearance of a merger.
  • Assisted a global technology filtration company craft a challenge to an FTC antitrust divestiture order in a U.S. court of appeals.
  • Counseled a supermarket operator through a negotiated consent decree with the FTC relating to a proposed transaction.
  • Defended an integrated media company against a lawsuit brought by the DOJ in federal district court challenging a proposed transaction.
  • Represented truck and equipment dealers in a series of class action cases involving claims of bid rigging and price-fixing of automotive component parts.
  • Represented physicians in a case involving claims arising from an alleged tying agreement.

    • Complex Commercial Litigation

  • Counseled a hedge fund through a lengthy investigation by the SEC and helped the client achieve a satisfactory settlement.
  • Represented a biotech firm against trade secret misappropriation claims by a pharmaceutical company.
  • Defended leading software company against allegations by California Office of the State Controller concerning the failed implementation of software.
  • Represented former shareholders of self-storage facilities company in a dispute over the terms and conditions of an operating agreement.
  • Defended leading retail danceware provider against claims arising from a contractual dispute.
  • Represented aviation services company in a dispute over the terms and conditions of a lease agreement.
  • Defended a transportation services company against claims relating to the failed implementation of software.
  • Represented former shareholders of laboratory services company in a dispute over the terms and conditions of a purchase agreement and escrow agreement.
  • Defended leading financial services company and won dismissal of claims involving a dispute over a deposit agreement.

Admissions

  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Education

  • Villanova University School of Law, J.D., 2009
    - Editor and Staff Writer, Villanova Law Review
  • University of Notre Dame, B.B.A., 2005

Experience

  • Duane Morris LLP
    - Partner, 2019-present
    - Associate, 2015-2018

  • Dechert LLP
    - Associate, 2010-2015
  • Homeless Advocacy Project
    - Attorney, 2009-2010

Honors and Awards

  • Listed in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2015-2018

  • Recognized as part of 2014 Antitrust Team of the Year by Chambers USA

Civic and Charitable Activities

  • Malvern Preparatory School Alumni Board, Executive Committee

  • University of Notre Dame Sorin Society

  • Notre Dame Club of Philadelphia