Microsoft replaces ‘Trump-friendly’ lawyers to fight company’s ‘biggest gaming’ deal case

Microsoft has replaced Simpson Thacher & Bartlett with Jenner & Block in its Delaware Court of Chancery lawsuit concerning the 2023 Activision Blizzard acquisition, according to a report. The change was reportedly filed in April when Simpson Thacher attorneys withdrew and Jenner partners took over to represent the tech giant. This essentially means that Microsoft is moving from a legal team that prioritised avoiding conflict with the government to one that is willing to challenge the government in court.

Large corporations like Microsoft routinely engage multiple law firms, shifting work based on factors such as fees, expertise, and conflicts.