Overview
John Graham is an associate in the Litigation Department of Paul Hastings based in the firm's Washington, D.C. office. His practice focuses on antitrust litigation, merger enforcement and government investigations. He represents clients in high-stakes merger trials, civil enforcement actions and litigation involving allegations of cartel conduct.
John has been a member of multiple trial teams in federal merger challenges brought by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, including recent victories defending multibillion dollar transactions across the manufacturing, retail and healthcare industries. His experience spans every stage of litigation — from motions practice, deposition preparation and discovery to preparing executives for live testimony and negotiating directly with opposing counsel. In addition to contested matters, John advises clients on antitrust risk in strategic transactions, joint ventures and commercial arrangements. He also represents third parties in merger and conduct investigations.
While in law school, John served as the co-president of the Harvard Law School Antitrust Association and executive managing editor of the Harvard Law & Policy Review, conducted research on antitrust under Professor Louis Kaplow and served in the Antitrust Unit of the California Department of Justice.
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D., 2022
- University of Virginia, B.A. (highest distinction), 2017
Representations
- Successfully defended Tempur Sealy’s $5 billion acquisition of Mattress Firm in two week trial — combining the leading national manufacturer and largest national retailer.
- Successfully litigated the fix in Assa Abloy's $4.3 billion acquisition of Spectrum Brands’ Hardware and Home Improvement division, securing a mid-trial settlement thatwas the first under AAG Kanter’s leadership.
- Successfully defended GTCR in its medical coating portfolio company’s $627 million acquisition of Surmodics, another medical coating provider, in first merger challenge under Chair Ferguson.
- Secured numerous voluntary dismissals on behalf of a leading health insurance company in two federal antitrust MDLs involving allegations of algorithmic price fixing.
- Represented a leading provider of healthcare services in litigation under Section 1 of the Sherman Act.
- Represented a leading technology company in the successful resolution of a federal criminal investigation.
Engagement & Publications
- "U.S. Mergers Update," European Merger Control Law: A Guide to the Merger Regulation, Author (2025)
- "Litigating the Facts," The Antitrust Source, Contributor (2024)
- Ch. 23 "Public Enforcement," California Antitrust and Unfair Competition Law, Author (2020)
Involvement
- Member – Antitrust Law Section of the American Bar Association
- Member – Trial Practice committee of the Antitrust Law Section