New York, NY – March 2, 2026 – Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP is pleased to announce that Don Hawthorne has joined the firm as a Partner in its Litigation practice. Mr. Hawthorne brings extensive experience in financial services disputes, antitrust litigation, class action defense, and complex commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on representing international businesses in U.S. proceedings.
Mr. Hawthorne’s antitrust practice encompasses litigation, merger representation, and counseling across federal, state, and transnational matters. He has particular experience in intellectual property antitrust issues, joint ventures, collaborative arrangements, and international antitrust enforcement.
His financial services litigation experience includes representing institutions, investors, insurers, and trustees in disputes involving complex financial products. He has litigated many of the major issues concerning structured debt, securitized assets, and indenture structures, and has served as an expert witness in related matters.
A substantial portion of Mr. Hawthorne’s practice focuses on representing international parties in U.S. courts, with a particular focus on Japan and East Asia. He has developed longstanding relationships with Japanese clients and law firms, regularly advising foreign companies on U.S. litigation risk and strategy.
“Don’s arrival significantly strengthens our litigation capabilities, particularly in antitrust and financial services disputes,” said Jon Trafimow, managing partner of Carter Ledyard. “His deep experience with complex commercial matters and his established relationships with international clients, especially in Japan and East Asia, align perfectly with our firm’s strategic commitment to providing sophisticated counsel to domestic and international businesses.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Don to our litigation team,” said Jeffrey Boxer, Co-Chair of the Litigation practice. “His track record in high-stakes antitrust litigation and financial services disputes, combined with his class action defense experience, adds tremendous depth to our practice. Don’s ability to navigate complex legal issues and deliver practical solutions for clients will be invaluable to our growing practice.”
“I am excited to join Carter Ledyard at this dynamic point in the firm’s development,” said Don Hawthorne. “The firm’s collaborative culture, commitment to client service, and strong platform for sophisticated litigation work make it an ideal fit for my practice. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to continue building the firm’s litigation capabilities and serving clients facing their most challenging legal issues.”
Mr. Hawthorne earned his J.D. from Yale Law School, his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford, and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Princeton University. He is admitted to practice in New York and Massachusetts, and before numerous federal courts including the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, and Third Circuits, and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
About Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP
Founded in 1854, Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP is a New York-based law firm providing sophisticated legal counsel to businesses, individuals, and institutions. The firm’s practice areas include corporate and securities, litigation, trusts and estates, real estate, tax, employee benefits, and not-for-profit organizations.