Veronica N. Onyema
- Washington, D.C.
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Veronica is a high-stakes litigator who brings clear storytelling and simplicity to complex antitrust matters.
Veronica Onyema is a skilled litigator with a proven record in case development, courtroom presentations, trial strategy and execution, and persuasive written advocacy.
Prior to joining Ashurst Perkins Coie, Veronica was a leader in the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, where she served as assistant chief in the Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section. In that role, she oversaw complex investigations, led enforcement actions, and advised division leadership on strategic matters. She was a go-to litigator in the division, taking on key roles in high-profile enforcement actions. Her work contributed to landmark cases in technology, financial services, and transportation, among others.
Before transitioning to the Antitrust Division, Veronica was a litigator at the DOJ’s Civil Division, serving as counsel of record for the United States in government contract litigation before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and managing all phases of litigation and trial advocacy. In addition, she represented the United States in appellate matters before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, handling appeals from a range of federal boards and courts.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- Cornell Law School, J.D., General Editor, Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy, 2006
- University of Notre Dame, B.A., Political Science, Computer Applications, magna cum laude, 2003
Bar and Court Admissions
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District of Columbia
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New York
Related Employment
- U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Washington, D.C., Trial Attorney, 2019-2014; Assistant Chief, 2024-2025
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, Washington, D.C., Trial Attorney, 2013-2019
- Mayer Brown LLP, Washington, D.C., Litigation Associate, 2011-2013
- Howrey LLP, Washington, D.C., Antitrust Associate, 2006-2011
- New York County District Attorney's Office, New York, NY, Legal Extern, 2005
Professional Experience
Experience
In re Cattle and Beef Antitrust Litigation
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Represented Tyson Foods, Inc. in putative class action alleging collusion affecting the purchase and availability of fed cattle.
Federal government antitrust investigations
Represents companies in investigations conducted by federal antitrust agencies.
United States et al. v. Google*
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Served as trial team member and leadership group member for the United States in bench trials challenging Google’s search distribution agreements and, following a successful liability determination, litigating remedies.
United States v. Bertelsmann SE & CO. KGaA, Penguin Random House, LLC, VIACOMBS, and Simon & Schuster*
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Served as a team member for the United States in successful merger enforcement challenge blocking proposed Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster merger.
United States et al. v. American Airlines Group Inc. and JetBlue Airways Corp.*
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts; affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Served as a team member for the United States in successful enforcement challenge blocking the Northeast Alliance joint venture between American Airlines and JetBlue.
*Prior experience
