Daniel V. Dorris

December 8, 2025 — After years of high-stakes litigation and a multi-week bench trial, on November 18, 2025, Chief Judge James E. Boasberg entered judgment for Meta on the FTC’s Section 2 claim. The Court rejected the FTC’s proposed “personal social networking” market and, based on extensive empirical evidence, found a broader social‑media market that includes TikTok and YouTube. The Court concluded that the FTC failed to prove Meta possesses monopoly power in the relevant market. The Court credited field experiments, natural experiments (including platform outages and a ban on the TikTok app in India), and app usage data showing significant and persistent diversion between Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. It found convergence across features and user behavior—particularly the shift toward AI-recommended short-form video and private messaging—undercutting the FTC’s effort to distinguish “social networking” from “entertainment.” The Court declined to infer monopoly power from evidence of Meta’s profits and further determined that the FTC had failed to show that the “quality-adjusted” price of Meta’s apps had declined; on the contrary, it found that “Meta’s apps have continuously improved.”  And in the relevant market, time‑spent and user metrics show that Meta’s share is well below monopoly thresholds and trending down. The court ordered judgment for Meta, ending the FTC’s case at the liability stage. A large Kellogg Hansen team, led by Mark C. Hansen, served as lead trial counsel for Meta.   The lawyers involved at trial included Daniel V. Dorris, Andrew E. Goldsmith, Joseph S. Hall, Jake E. Hartman, Kevin D. Horvitz, Kevin B. Huff, Geoffrey M. Klineberg, Evan T. Leo, Kevin J. Miller, Aaron M. Panner, Alex Parkinson, Ana N. Paul, Leslie V. Pope, Thomas G. Schultz, Lillian V. Smith, Silvija A. Strikis, Ariela M. Migdal, Collin R. White, Justin B. Berg, Geoffrey J.H. Block, Hannah D.C. DePalo, Nataliia Gillespie, Natalie E. Giotta, Jordan R.G. González, Zachary M. Meskell, Diego Negron-Reichard, Aaseesh P. Polavarapu, Catherine M. Redlingshafer, Andrew Skaras, Alex P. Treiger, and Hilary M. Weaver. This case has garnered significant national attention, with coverage in Global Competition Review, Litigator of the Week, Law360’s Legal Lions, and Judicial Notice. These outlets highlighted the complexity of the litigation, the breadth of the economic evidence presented at trial, and the substantial implications of the Court’s decision for antitrust enforcement in digital markets. The recognition across multiple leading publications underscores both the importance of the ruling and the exceptional work of the trial team. Federal Trade Commission v. Meta Platforms, Inc., Case 1:20-cv-03590-JEB (D.D.C)..

July 3, 2025 — Partners Michael N. Nemelka and Derek T. Ho of Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, PLLC have been recognized among Bloomberg Law’s Unrivaled Litigators for 2025 in honor of the firm’s role as lead counsel in the groundbreaking antitrust class action Loop LLC v. CDK Global, LLC, No. 24-571 (W.D. Wis.). Representing a class of automotive software vendors, Michael Nemelka was lead counsel of a Kellogg Hansen team that included Derek Ho, Daniel Dorris, and Aaron Panner.  The case alleged a years-long antitrust conspiracy between CDK Global, LLC and The Reynolds & Reynolds Company – the two leading providers of dealer management system software – to restrict access to car dealership data.  As a result of the conspiracy, software vendors paid highly inflated prices for access to that data. On January 27, 2025, CDK agreed to pay $630 million to settle the claims, which is $140 million more than the class’s actual damages of $490 million.  That extraordinary result is a success story for private civil enforcement of our nation’s antitrust laws.  Without the aid of any government agency or prior action, the Kellogg Hansen team investigated the facts, discovered the alleged conspiracy, and pursued claims for the class for over seven years – from complaint through motion to dismiss, fact and expert discovery, Daubert and summary judgment, class certification, pretrial proceedings, and to the brink of trial. “This case required us to build the facts and legal theories from the ground up, and then the determination and energy to litigate the claims for over seven years from inception to the eve of trial,” said partner Michael Nemelka. “But with the team’s dedication and unrelenting efforts, we did it.  The strength of our evidence and our belief in the class’s claims carried us through.” In recognition of the remarkable result, Bloomberg Law named Michael Nemelka and Derek Ho to its inaugural list of Unrivaled Litigators featuring “trial lawyers who lead the legal profession in high-stakes and impactful trials and settlements.” To read more about the case and Bloomberg Law’s recognition of the firm, visit Bloomberg’s website. In addition to 2025 Bloomberg Unrivaled Litigators, Michael Nemelka and the team have been recognized for their work in this case from these other publications and legal journals: The American Lawyer – Litigator of the Week The American Lawyer –  Elite Trial Lawyers Judicial Notice – Original Jurisdiction Michael Nemelka specializes in complex commercial litigation, and has experience across a broad range of civil and criminal matters.  He has tried numerous cases to verdict in federal and state courts, as well as before arbitration panels.  In addition, as a result of his government service as Deputy United States Trade Representative, he helps clients navigate challenges and barriers in international trade and investment. Derek Ho litigates high-stakes commercial cases with often billions of dollars at stake.  He has helped clients obtain billions of dollars through trial or settlement.  As both an experienced trial litigator and a seasoned appellate lawyer, Derek represents plaintiffs and defendants in all phases of litigation. Aaron Panner specializes in antitrust law and U.S. Supreme Court and appellate litigation. Dan Dorris represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil, antitrust, and securities litigation.  At the trial level, Dan handles every phase of litigation, from complaints to arguing dispositive motions and at trial.  At the appellate level, he has briefed and argued cases in multiple courts of appeals.    ..

May 1, 2023— Twenty-seven Kellogg Hansen attorneys qualified for recognition on the 2022 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll for contributing fifty hours or more of pro bono work to those who cannot afford legal counsel.  Nineteen Kellogg Hansen attorneys also qualified for the High Honor Roll for providing one hundred hours or more of pro bono service.  The District of Columbia Courts have recognized attorneys through the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll since 2011.  The complete list of 2022 honorees can be found here. Scott K. Attaway* Daniel G. Bird* Daniel V. Dorris Matthew N. Drecun Ryan M. Folio David C. Frederick* D. Chanslor Gallenstein* Dustin G. Graber Kimberly V. Hamlett* Minsuk Han* Ashle Holman* Geoffrey M. Klineberg* Jonathan I. Liebman Eric J. Maier* Samuel A. Martin* Ariela M. Migdal Bradley E. Oppenheimer* Gregory G. Rapawy* Catherine M. Redlingshafer Derek C. Reinbold* Caroline A. Schechinger* Daniel S. Severson* Andrew C. Shen* Julius P. Taranto* Alex P. Treiger* Matthew J. Wilkins*  * denotes High Honor Roll ..

January 1, 2018— Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C. take pleasure in announcing that Daniel Dorris and Leslie Pope have become partners in the firm, Linda Elliott has joined the firm as of counsel, and twelve federal judicial clerks have joined as associates.  Daniel Dorris joined the firm as an associate in 2012.  Daniel has particular experience with antitrust and securities cases, multi-district litigation, and class actions.  He represented the National Credit Union Administration in a series of lawsuits regarding the sale of residential mortgage-backed securities.  He also recently briefed and argued an appeal regarding the settlement of a multi-district litigation regarding overpayments for motor fuel.  Leslie Pope joined the firm as an associate in 2012. She represents plaintiffs and defendants in complex, commercial litigation and has substantial experience trying high-stakes matters for clients in both federal and state courts.  Leslie was part of trial teams that successfully represented a client in Texas state court in a case involving high-yield debt and that achieved the first-ever royalty rate decrease from the Copyright Royalty Board for broadcasters that offer online radio services.  Leslie also represented the National Credit Union Administration in a series of lawsuits regarding the sale of residential mortgage-backed securities.   Kellogg Hansen was founded on the idea that talent, creativity, and hard work achieve the best results for clients. The firm has grown over the past 24 years – with each year proving this founding principle holds true. Nearly all Kellogg Hansen attorneys graduated from top-tier law schools and served as law clerks for federal judges. Our highly credentialed and motivated lawyers offer businesses, individuals, and governments expert counsel and innovative solutions to complex disputes and high-stakes matters. PARTNERS DANIEL V. DORRIS  Admitted to bar, 2011, Illinois; 2013, District of Columbia.  Education:  University of Illinois (B.S., summa cum laude, 2006); University of Chicago Law School (J.D., with high honors, 2010).  Order of the Coif.  John M. Olin Law & Economics Fellow.  Kirkland & Ellis Scholar.  Executive Topics & Comments Editor, University of Chicago Law Review, 2009-2010.  Law Clerk:  Hon. Pamela Rymer, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 2010-2011; Hon. Gary Feinerman, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2011-2012. LESLIE V. POPE  Admitted to bar, 2010, Virginia; 2013, District of Columbia.  Education:  Harvard College (A.B., cum laude, 2006); Cambridge University (M.Phil., Philosophy, 2007); Yale Law School (J.D., 2010). Managing Editor, Yale Law Journal, 2009-2010.  Law Clerk:  Hon. Judith W. Rogers, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, 2011-2012.  Languages:  Spanish.  OF COUNSEL LINDA A. ELLIOTT  Admitted to bar, 1988, District of Columbia. Education: Kalamazoo College (B.A., 1981), University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1986), Georgetown University Law Center (Prettyman Fellow 1988-1990, LL.M., 1992). Editor-In-Chief, Michigan Yearbook of International Legal Studies, 1986-87. Law Clerk: Hon. Douglas W. Hillman, U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1986-1988; Hon. Harry T. Edwards, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, 2003-2008, 2015-2016. Staff Attorney, Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, 1990-1997. Deputy Circuit Executive, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, 1998-2000. Special Counsel for Legal Affairs, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, 2001-2003. Visiting Professor of Law, University of Peking School of Transnational Law, Shenzhen, China, 2009-present. Adjunct Professor of Law, New York University School of Law, 2007-2017. Co-Author: Federal Standards of Review: Review of District Court Decisions and Agency Actions (Thomson Reuters, 3d ed. 2018) (2d ed. 2013) (1st ed. 2008) (with Hon. Harry T. Edwards). ASSOCIATES CHRISTINE A. BONOMO Admitted to bar, 2015, New York; 2016, District of Columbia. Education: Kenyon College (B.A., summa cum laude, 2011); University of Chicago Law School (J.D., with Honors, 2014). Articles Editor, The Chicago Journal of International Law, 2013-2014. Phi Beta Kappa. Law Clerk: Hon. Peter J. Messitte, U.S. District Court, District of Maryland, 2015-2016; Hon. Deborah L. Cook, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: Case Studies in the Advancement of Sexual Orientation Rights: Argentina and Brazil, The Chicago Journal of international Law, Volume 14.1. KEVIN D. HORVITZ  Admitted to bar, 2017, New York; (admitted only in New York; supervision by partners of the firm). Education: Vanderbilt University (B.A., 2013); Duke University School of Law (J.D./LL.M., magna cum laude, 2016). Order of the Coif. Law Clerk: Hon. Gerald Bard Tjoflat, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: An Unreasonable Ban on Reasonable Competition: The Legal Profession’s Protectionist Stance Against Noncompete Agreements Binding In-House Counsel, 65 Duke L.J. 1007 (2016). KYLIE C. KIM Admitted to bar, 2015, New York; 2017, District of Columbia. Education: Ewha W. University (B.A., magna cum laude, 2011); Harvard Law School (J.D., 2014). Article Editor, Harvard Environmental Law Review, 2012-2013; Member, Harvard Environmental Law Moot Court Team, 2012-2013; Executive Online Editor, Harvard International Law Journal, 2013-2014; Captain, Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Team, 2013-2014; Supreme Court Moot Director, American Constitution Society, 2013-2014; Founder and President, Harvard International Juris Doctor Students Society, 2013-2014. Law Clerk: Hon. Steven D. Merryday, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 2014-2016; Hon. Charles R. Wilson, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2016-2017. Languages: Korean.  ROBERT C. KLIPPER  Admitted to bar, 2016, Maryland; 2018, District of Columbia. Education: Yale University (B.A., magna cum laude, 2011); Yale Law School (J.D., 2016). Phi Beta Kappa. Editor, Yale Law Journal, 2015-2016. Law Clerk: Hon. Pamela Harris, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 2016-2017. Languages: Mandarin.  GRACE W. KNOFCZYNSKI  Admitted to bar, 2016, Pennsylvania; (admitted only in Pennsylvania; supervision by partners of the firm). Education: University of Tulsa (B.S., magna cum laude, B.A. magna cum laude, 2013); University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D., summa cum laude, 2016). Phi Beta Kappa. Order of the Coif. Associate Editor, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, 2014-2015. Senior Editor, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, 2015-2016. Law Clerk: Hon. A. Raymond Randolph, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, 2016-2017  ALBERT PAK Admitted to bar, 2017, New York; (admitted only in New York; supervision by partners of the firm). Education: Stanford University (B.A., M.A., 2013); Yale Law School (J.D., 2016). Phi Beta Kappa. Lead Editor, Yale Journal on Regulation, 2014-2015. Managing Editor, Yale Journal of International Law, 2015-2016.   Law Clerk: John M. Rogers, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: Book Note, reviewing Joel P. Trachtman, The Future of International Law: Global Government (2013), 39 Yale Journal of International Law 198 (2014). Languages: Korean. ALEX A. PARKINSON  Admitted to bar, 2016, New York; 2018, District of Columbia. Education: Harvard University (B.A., 2011); The University of Chicago Law School (J.D., with high honors, 2015). Staff Editor, University of Chicago Law Review, 2013-2014. Editor in Chief, University of Chicago Law Review, Vol. 82, 2014-2015. Law Clerk: Hon. Robert D. Sack, U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: Class Actions as Firms, 2017 Columbia Business Law Review 740; Behavioral Class Action Law, 65 UCLA Law Review (forthcoming); Comment, Comcast Corp. v. Behrend and Chaos on the Ground, L81 University of Chicago Law Review 1213 (2014). CHRISTOPHER M. SARMA* Admitted to bar, 2016, New York (admitted only in New York; supervision by partners of the firm). Education: Wesleyan University (B.A., 2009); Oxford University (MSc, 2011); Cornell Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 2015). Articles Editor, Cornell Law Review, 2014-2015; Law Clerk: Hon. Edward R. Korman, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 2015-2016; Hon. Andrew J. Kleinfeld, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: Note, Citizenship and the War on Terror: Should Federal Courts Consider a Plaintiff’s Citizenship in Post-9/11 Litigation?, 100 Cornell Law Review. (2015). DANIEL S. SEVERSON Admitted to bar, 2016, New York; 2017, District of Columbia. Education: Bard College (B.A., 2010); Harvard University (M.P.P., 2016); Harvard Law School (J.D., cum laude, 2016). Editor in Chief, Harvard International Law Journal, 2015-2016. Law Clerk: Hon. Allyson Kay Duncan, U.S. of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: The Encryption Debate in Europe, Hoover Institution (forthcoming 2017); The Court and the World: An Interview with Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer, 57 Harvard International Law Journal 253 (2016); National Security Reporting Requirements: Managing the Tension Between Secrecy and Accountability, 2016; American Surveillance of Non-U.S. Persons: Why New Privacy Protections Offer Only Cosmetic Change, 56 Harvard International Law Journal 465 (2015). Languages: French, Mandarin.  LILLIAN V. SMITH* Admitted to bar, 2017, New York (admitted only in New York; supervision by partners of the firm). Education: University of Virginia (B.A., with high distinction, 2008); Brooklyn Law School (J.D., summa cum laude, 2016). Editor in Chief, Brooklyn Law Review, 2015-2016. Law Clerk: Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: Note, Recreating the “Ritual Carving”: Why Congress Should Fund Independent Redistricting Commissions and End Partisan Gerrymandering, 80 Brooklyn Law Review 1641 (2015).  DAVID S. SUSKA  Admitted to bar, 2016, Virginia; (admitted only in Virginia; supervision by partners of the firm).   Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 2008, M.A., 2009); University of Chicago Law School (J.D., with Honors, 2016). Law Clerk: Hon. Frank H. Easterbrook, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 2016-2017. Author: The Federal–State Standing Gap, William and Mary Bill of Rights Journal (forthcoming 2018); Reappraising Dodd-Frank’s Living Will Regime, 36 Review of Banking & Financial Law 779 (2017); Regulatory Takings and Ridesharing, 19 New York University Journal of Legislation & Public Policy 183 (2016). JULIUS P. TARANTO Admitted to bar, 2017, District of Columbia; Education: Pomona College (B.A., cum laude, 2012); Yale Law School (J.D., 2016). Coker Fellow, Constitutional Law. Co-President, Yale Law School National Security Group, 2014-2015. Law Clerk: Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2016-2017. Co-Author:   Comment, Stare Decisis and Secret Law: On Precedent and Publication in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, Yale Law Journal (2015). ..