Brian E. Hanna
Counsel | Washington, D.C.
Brian E. Hanna

Brian E. Hanna, a seasoned trial attorney and former lead counsel with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, is a member of Dechert’s global antitrust/competition practice in Washington, D.C. Mr. Hanna has significant experience handling complex antitrust issues, particularly in the transportation, energy and agriculture sectors.

Mr. Hanna has earned a distinguished reputation from his roles as first-chair trial counsel and through leading high-profile merger and conducting investigations. His notable cases include U.S. v. United States Sugar Corp., U.S. v. Energy Solutions and U.S. v. Sabre, where he developed and executed comprehensive litigation strategies. His practice spans numerous industries including aviation, food products, oilfield services and more.

A recipient of the Assistant Attorney General's Award of Distinction, Mr. Hanna has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to his work, earning accolades for his strategic insights and rigorous trial preparation.

Before joining the DOJ, Mr. Hanna practiced at another leading international law firm, defending high-profile clients including international banks and industry-leading manufacturers in global cartel investigations and complex litigation. Mr. Hanna is admitted in Virginia only; his practice is supervised by principals of the firm who are members of the D.C. Bar.

Key Matters

DOJ
  • Led a DOJ trial team in a challenge to the U.S. Sugar/Imperial Sugar merger.
  • Acted as a trial attorney for the DOJ in a merger trial seeking to block the merger of travel technology companies, a case involving nascent technology competition.
  • Acted as trial attorney for the DOJ in a merger trial seeking to block the merger of leading nuclear waste disposal companies, a case involving the failing firm’s defense.
  • Built litigation-ready teams for the Fresh Express/Dole proposed merger that resulted in abandonment, and several other merger matters.
  • Led and served in other key roles in both merger and non-merger investigations spanning industries such as airlines; do-it-yourself tax prep technology; oilfield services; genetically modified seeds and biotech; prison communications technology; movie and T.V. entertainment; and heavy truck engine manufacturing.
  • Acted in a key role investigating and enforcing a multi-billion hedge fund’s failure to file a Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act violation involving the “solely for the purpose of investment” HSR exemption that resulted in the highest monetary penalty at the time for an HSR violation.

Pre-DOJ private practice

  • A polyurethane foam manufacturer in global cartel investigations by government authorities in the United States, Canada and Europe, and direct purchaser and indirect purchaser antitrust class actions and opt-out litigation stemming from allegations of price-fixing and market allocation.
  • Leading multi-national banks and financial services companies in complex litigation.

Includes matters handled at Dechert or prior to joining the firm.

Services Industries
    • University of Virginia, B.A., Political Science, 2004
    • William & Mary Law School, J.D., 2010
    • Admitted in Virginia only; practice is supervised by principals of the firm who are members of the D.C. Bar
    • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
    • United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia