Max Samels

Bridges v. Blackstone, Inc.: Represented The Blackstone Group, Inc. in a putative class action alleging violations of the Illinois Genetic Privacy Act (GIPA) related to Blackstone’s acquisition of Ancestry.com, a leading company in digital family history services. Kirkland won full dismissal and the decision was affirmed on appeal, earning The American Lawyer’s “Litigator of the Week” award.

In re Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation: Represent Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Triple-S Salud and Hawaii Medical Service Association in multiple consolidated class actions challenging the structure of the Blue Cross Blue Shield system under the antitrust laws.

Cerda v. Chicago Cubs: Represented the Chicago Cubs in an Americans with Disabilities Act dispute regarding accessible seating after renovations at historic Wrigley Field.

Mosaic Health, Inc. v. Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC et al.: Represent Eli Lilly in putative class action lawsuit alleging price fixing related to 340B discounts under federal and state laws.

U.S. ex rel. Streck v. Eli Lilly: Trial counsel for Eli Lilly in False Claims Act suit challenging Medicaid price reporting over more than a decade.

Thomson Reuters Enterprise Centre GmbH, et al. v. ROSS Intelligence Inc.: Representing Thomson Reuters in antitrust monopolization case brought by competitor ROSS Intelligence alleging tie between Westlaw’s “public law database” and its “legal search tools.” Kirkland secured a complete defense victory at summary judgment, earning The American Lawyer’s “Litigator of the Week” award.

Ramos v. ZoomInfo Technologies, LLC: Represented ZoomInfo Technologies LLC in putative class action alleging violation of the Illinois Right of Publicity Act related to ZoomInfo’s online database of business contact information. Settlement achieved.

Green v. Datanyze, LLC; Hudson v. Datanyze, LLC: Representing Datanyze, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZoomInfo Technologies Inc., in putative class action litigation alleging violation of Ohio and Illinois right of publicity laws related to ZoomInfo’s online database of business contact information. Kirkland won dismissal of Ohio suit. Decision affirmed in full on appeal. Ongoing Illinois action.

Represented an energy company in an action resulting from a breach of contract dispute.

Representing a manufacturer of ammonium nitrate in a plaintiff-side antitrust, breach of contract and fraud action. In 2024, Kirkland secured dismissal of five of defendants’ eight claims and defeated in its entirety defendants’ motion to dismiss plaintiffs’ 13-count complaint.

Representing a pharmaceutical company in an appeal of product liability litigation regarding personal injury claims.

Representing a pharmaceutical company on a potential contract dispute regarding allegations of a breach of contractual non-solication provisions.

Representing a PVC pipe manufacturer in criminal and civil investigations conducted by the DOJ and a state attorney general concerning allegations of price fixing in the PVC pipe market.

Led independent investigation for sports organization related to allegations of embezzlement and gambling involving a company employee. Kirkland continues to represent the company in investigations by government agencies into related issues.

Representing a poultry processor and distributor in arbitration proceedings regarding allegations that it engaged in a supply reduction conspiracy to inflate the price of broiler chickens and bid rigging to further inflate prices.

In addition, Max regularly provides antitrust counseling to a broad range of firm clients.