Wiley Adds Former DOJ Trial Lawyer Nicholas Cheolas, Strengthening Firm’s Antitrust and Enforcement Capabilities

December 3, 2025

Washington, DC – Wiley is pleased to announce that Nicholas S. Cheolas has joined the firm as a partner in its Litigation Practice. A seasoned antitrust litigator, Cheolas has significant experience spanning private practice and government service at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in investigations and enforcement matters focused on competition issues in technology, digital markets, and data-driven industries.

Prior to joining Wiley, Cheolas served as both Trial Attorney and Counsel to the Director of Civil Enforcement in the DOJ Antitrust Division, where he advised leadership on enforcement priorities, played substantive roles in two of the Division’s highest-profile monopolization cases, and led and supported merger and conduct investigations across multiple industries.

“Nick’s arrival adds depth to the counsel we provide on matters with significant competition enforcement considerations,” said Wiley Managing Partner Peter D. Shields. “His DOJ background strengthens the insight we bring to clients managing increasingly demanding regulatory and investigative matters. His experience will be a meaningful resource in addressing the challenges these engagements present.”

Before his government service, Cheolas spent a decade in private practice in litigation and regulatory roles. He represented plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes antitrust class actions, complex commercial disputes, and compliance matters. He also has experience in Sherman Act and Clayton Act enforcement, including work involving monopolization issues, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, competitor collaborations, and complex merger analysis.

“Nick offers valuable insight on competition enforcement that strengthens the capabilities of our litigation practice,” said Ralph J. Caccia, chair of Wiley’s Litigation Practice. “His Antitrust Division experience and work on competition matters in technology markets enhance our ability to advise clients in complex antitrust investigations and litigation.”

At Wiley, Cheolas will advise companies and individuals on civil and criminal antitrust investigations, enforcement actions, litigation strategies, and compliance matters, drawing on his DOJ experience to help clients anticipate regulatory priorities and respond effectively to scrutiny. His work will focus on competition issues arising across technology, digital markets, data-driven sectors, and other industries facing complex antitrust considerations.

“Wiley’s national reputation in enforcement and regulatory matters, combined with its strong Washington, D.C. platform, creates an ideal environment to build a forward-looking antitrust practice,” said Cheolas. “Drawing on my DOJ experience, I look forward to working alongside colleagues across the firm to help clients navigate complex competition issues with practical insight and strategic clarity.”

Wiley’s Litigation Practice represents clients in high-stakes disputes and investigations involving complex regulatory, commercial, and enforcement issues. The team includes former government officials and trial lawyers with experience before federal and state courts, administrative agencies, and arbitral panels. Wiley’s Antitrust capabilities complement this platform, guiding clients through merger review, conduct investigations, and civil or criminal enforcement actions. The firm’s lawyers provide strategic counseling, litigation defense, and compliance advice informed by a deep understanding of agency decision-making and regulatory priorities.