Rule Garza Howley Expands With Addition of Justin T. Heipp and Erich Makarov

WASHINGTON, DC, September 18, 2023 — Antitrust boutique law firm Rule Garza Howley LLP has hired Justin T. Heipp and Erich Makarov, enhancing the commercially savvy antitrust representation the firm provides amid steady growth.

“Justin and Erich are excellent additions to the team.  Each bring valuable and varied experience to the firm,” said Chair Rick Rule. “Our firm is uniquely qualified to meet the needs of companies at a time when the antitrust landscape continues to shift.”

Heipp joins the firm as counsel and comes from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he led several significant merger investigations and litigated multiple enforcement actions in federal courts. He played significant roles in the government’s successful challenges of Aetna’s proposed $37 billion acquisition of Humana, and the “Northeast Alliance” joint venture between American Airlines and JetBlue.  He was honored with the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award.

Makarov joins as an associate from Covington & Burling, where he advised clients across industries on a broad range of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, internal antitrust investigations, and trade association activities.

“I’m excited to have these new attorneys joining our firm as we continue our strategic expansion,” said Managing Partner Dan Howley. “Their skills and experience will help us continue to meet the considerable demand for sophisticated antitrust representation.”