Sarah R. LaFreniere

Sarah R. LaFreniere

  • Partner
  • Washington, DC
she / her / hers

OVERVIEW

Sarah is a dynamic litigator recognized for her innovative problem-solving skills and collaborative approach in resolving complex legal matters. Drawing from extensive experience in antitrust litigation, she has established herself as a formidable advocate, adept at navigating disputes both in and out of court. Sarah focuses on achieving optimal outcomes for her clients, advocating earnestly while seeking efficient and practical resolutions.

Specializing in representing victims of anticompetitive conduct, Sarah’s client portfolio ranges from startups to established enterprises and state entities. Sarah is recognized for her expertise in handling unilateral conduct claims and Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, helping companies navigate exclusionary tying agreements, restrictive exclusive deals, and other unlawful exercises of monopoly power. She passionately advocates on behalf of nascent competitors and small businesses affected by monopolistic practices, particularly market innovators and sector pioneers challenging established institutions. She has represented software companies whose groundbreaking ideas were sherlocked by dominant enterprises, non-profit organizations unable to obtain products due to competitors’ restrictive covenants, and consumers who overpaid for collusively or monopolistically overpriced goods.

In seeking solutions for victims of anticompetitive conduct, Sarah is known for her ability to think outside the box and develop innovative legal approaches under existing legal doctrines—while helping clients determine whether or not litigation is the right solution to their complex business disputes.

As Managing Editor of Hausfeld’s Competition Bulletin, Sarah contributes to discourse and thought leadership on competition law, providing insights into noteworthy investigations, judgments, and regulatory decisions. Her global legal expertise enables her to effectively represent clients in cross-border disputes and facilitate discovery for non-U.S. clients through 28 U.S.C. § 1782. Additionally, Sarah is an active participant in e-discovery discourse, speaking and writing on new technologies and staying informed of the most current approaches to e-discovery problems.

Sarah is well respected by across the bar for her emphasis on collaboration and communication within and across legal teams. She excels at bringing together diverse talents and perspectives, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. Managing the day-to-day complexities of cases with dozens of parties and hundreds of lawyers, Sarah is sought out for her project management expertise. Her approachable demeanor and open communication style make her an effective advocate, not only for her clients and teams but also in fostering productive dialogue and resolution with opposing parties.

EXPERIENCE

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