Mary Sameera Van Houten Harper
OVERVIEW
Experience
Mary’s interests lay singularly in complex litigation, with a focus in the antitrust, consumer protection, and human rights fields. She has litigated numerous class action matters in state and federal courts across the nation, from claim development to settlement, and is committed to representing plaintiffs in groundbreaking challenges in pursuit of social good.
Before joining Hausfeld, Mary represented clients in trial and appeal in defense of immigrants’ rights. For example, Mary led a novel multi-claimant challenge to an asylum ban under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and successfully enjoined harmful immigration regulations under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). Mary also litigated dozens of habeas corpus petitions, securing noncitizens’ release from detention due to civil or constitutional violations.
Mary first gained experience at a global law firm in Washington, D.C., where she served as counsel in a large-scale data breach class action and a variety of international trade and commercial litigation matters. She also clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Clients
Mary represents a range of consumers, businesses, and state attorneys general in cases challenging corporate wrongdoing.
EDUCATION
- Stanford Law School, J.D., 2014
- University of Michigan, BBA, 2010
BAR ADMISSIONS
- New York (2015)
- D.C. (2017)
- Second Circuit (2019)
- S.D.N.Y. (2019)
- N.D. Ill. (2020)
- D.D.C. (2021)
AFFILIATIONS
Antitrust Law, ABA
Civil Rights & Social Justice, ABA
PUBLICATIONS
The Post-Boumediene Paradox: Habeas Corpus or Due Process?, 67 Stan. L. Rev. Online 9, June 25, 2014 (cited in Thuraissigiam v. U.S. Dep’t of Homeland Sec., 917 F.3d 1097, 1111 (9th Cir. 2019)).
Why the Laws of War? A Separation-of-Powers Argument for Striking the Military Commissions Act, 17 Gonzaga Int’l L. J. 1, Feb. 9, 2014.