Howard Ullman

In the dynamic legal landscape of California, particularly within the bustling economic hub of San Francisco, finding a legal professional with a profound understanding of intricate business law can be a challenging yet crucial endeavor. For individuals and corporations navigating complex issues such as trade regulation, unfair competition, and large-scale litigation, specialized expertise is not just a preference but a necessity. This article introduces Howard Ullman, a seasoned attorney based in San Francisco, offering a detailed look into his practice areas, professional distinctions, and how his services are particularly well-suited for the diverse legal needs of the California community.

Howard Ullman is a distinguished counsel in the antitrust/competition group at Dechert LLP, a globally recognized law firm. With over two decades of extensive experience, Mr. Ullman has carved a niche for himself as a go-to expert in a range of sophisticated legal matters. His practice is characterized by a deep focus on trade regulation, unfair competition, class actions, and complex litigation. What truly sets him apart is his seasoned background as a trial lawyer, enabling him to handle cases at all levels of the judicial system, from trial courts to appellate courts, with a keen strategic mind and a robust approach.

For California residents and businesses, understanding the depth of expertise Howard Ullman brings is key. His work often involves the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property law, an increasingly critical area given the state's innovation-driven economy. He also regularly advises on matters involving significant California-specific regulations such as the California Unfair Practices Act and Cal. Bus. and Prof. Code Section 17200. His clientele spans various crucial industries, including healthcare, technology, financial services, and retail, reflecting his versatility and ability to adapt his legal prowess to diverse business contexts. This comprehensive overview aims to provide local users with valuable insights into Mr. Ullman's capabilities, helping them make informed decisions when seeking top-tier legal counsel in the Bay Area.

Location and Accessibility

Howard Ullman practices from a prominent location in San Francisco, ensuring convenient access for clients across the Bay Area and beyond. His office is located at 405 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94903, USA. This address places him within the vibrant financial and legal district of San Francisco, easily reachable via public transportation and major roadways. The central positioning in downtown San Francisco means that clients, whether based in the city or commuting from surrounding Californian locales, can readily access his legal services. Being situated in a hub of legal activity also provides proximity to key courthouses and other legal institutions, which can be advantageous in managing and progressing legal matters efficiently.

Services Offered

Howard Ullman’s practice is highly specialized, concentrating on complex areas of law that are critical for businesses and individuals facing intricate disputes or regulatory challenges. His services include, but are not limited to:

• Antitrust and Competition Law: Advising on a wide array of antitrust matters, including Section 1 and Section 2 issues (related to monopolies and restraint of trade), exclusive dealing, joint ventures, competitor collaborations, pricing issues, and market definition.
• Unfair Competition Law: Handling cases involving unfair business practices, including those under the California Unfair Practices Act and California Business and Professions Code Section 17200.
• Class Actions and Complex Litigation: Representing clients in multi-district litigation, class action defense, and complex commercial disputes across various industries.
• Trade Regulation: Providing counsel on various trade regulation issues, ensuring client compliance and addressing disputes.
• Intellectual Property and Antitrust Intersection: Advising on matters where intellectual property rights and antitrust laws overlap, particularly concerning patent infringement and licensing issues.
• Distribution Law and System Issues: Counseling on aspects of distribution, including non-price restraints, dealer termination issues, and pricing policies (such as the Robinson-Patman Act and resale price maintenance).
• Government Investigations: Assisting clients with responses to government subpoenas (including grand jury subpoenas), civil investigative demands (CIDs), and Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) second requests.
• Appeals and Appellate Work: Handling appeals in both state and federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit, to pursue favorable outcomes for clients after trial.

Features / Highlights

Howard Ullman's career is marked by numerous distinctions and a wealth of experience that make him a standout legal professional. Here are some key highlights:

• Highly Regarded Professional Ratings: Mr. Ullman is consistently recognized in leading legal directories. He was ranked by Chambers USA for Antitrust (California) in 2025, with clients describing him as "an outstanding lawyer and thought partner" and "a brilliant attorney, very thorough and quick to respond." The Legal 500 US also consistently recommends him in its antitrust civil litigation/class actions chapter. He has been selected to Super Lawyers for Antitrust Litigation for multiple years (2018-2019, 2024-2025).
• Extensive Trial Experience: With a focus on litigation, Howard Ullman is a seasoned trial lawyer who has represented clients in high-stakes cases across various industries, demonstrating a strong ability to navigate complex courtroom challenges.
• Distinguished Educational Background: Mr. Ullman received his J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1992, where he was an Editor of the Harvard Law Review. He also holds a B.A. from the University of Chicago (1989).
• Significant Client Representation: His key matters include acting for Delta Dental of California in multi-district antitrust litigation, Nanya Technology Corporation in national DRAM antitrust price-fixing cases, and advising major companies like Microsoft, PG&E Corporation, Equifax, and Dow AgroSciences on various antitrust and intellectual property issues.
• Published Author and Speaker: Howard Ullman is a widely published author on antitrust law and frequently speaks at prominent legal conferences and associations, including the American Bar Association, California Bar Association, and Cincinnati Bar Association. He also formerly served as an adjunct instructor of law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law and has spoken at the University of California Hastings College of Law and Santa Clara University Law School.
• Leadership in the Legal Community: He serves as the Chair of the Bar Association of San Francisco's Antitrust and Business Regulation Section and is an antitrust columnist for the Association of Business Trial Lawyers Report, demonstrating his active engagement and leadership within the legal profession.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: His deep understanding of both antitrust and intellectual property, along with his experience across diverse industries, allows him to offer comprehensive and insightful legal solutions.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific promotional offers are not typically advertised for highly specialized legal services like those offered by Howard Ullman, it is a common practice for legal professionals to offer initial consultations. This allows prospective clients to discuss their legal needs, understand the scope of services, and determine if Mr. Ullman’s expertise aligns with their particular case before committing to full representation. Individuals and businesses in California are encouraged to contact his office directly to inquire about scheduling an initial discussion and to learn more about his fee structure. Professional legal services often involve tailored solutions, and a direct conversation is the best way to explore how Mr. Ullman can assist with your specific legal challenges.

Contact Information

For those in California seeking expert legal counsel in antitrust, competition, or complex litigation, Howard Ullman can be reached through the following contact details:

• Address: 405 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94903, USA
• Phone: (415) 578-0122
• Mobile Phone: +1 415-578-0122

These contact methods provide direct avenues to connect with Mr. Ullman's office and initiate discussions regarding your legal needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents and businesses across California, particularly those located in the dynamic San Francisco Bay Area, Howard Ullman represents an exceptional resource for navigating highly complex and often high-stakes legal matters. His deep specialization in antitrust, competition, unfair competition, and complex litigation, coupled with an impressive track record and consistent recognition from leading legal directories like Chambers USA and Super Lawyers, assures clients of top-tier legal expertise. His profound understanding of California-specific laws, such as the Unfair Practices Act, makes his counsel particularly pertinent to local enterprises. The convenient location in downtown San Francisco further enhances accessibility, minimizing logistical hurdles for clients.

Moreover, Mr. Ullman's experience representing a diverse range of industries—from healthcare and technology to financial services and retail—means he understands the unique challenges faced by various sectors within the Californian economy. His background as a trial lawyer, combined with his academic rigor from Harvard Law School and his active role as a published author and legal community leader, ensures that clients receive not only strong representation but also strategic, forward-thinking advice. For any Californian entity or individual grappling with intricate business disputes, class actions, or competition law challenges, Howard Ullman offers a blend of specialized knowledge, extensive experience, and a proven track record, positioning him as a highly suitable and invaluable legal partner.