Honors for Bruce Simon ’80

Bruce L. Simon ’80 was named the 2018 Antitrust Lawyer of the Year by the California Lawyers Association (CLA). A principal with Pearson, Simon & Warshaw, he is one of the leading antitrust lawyers in the United States and a past chair of the Board of Directors at UC Law SF.

This prestigious award, bestowed by the Antitrust, UCL, and Privacy Section of the CLA, recognizes Simon’s distinguished career working on complex antitrust cases with a national and global impact.

“It is always gratifying to receive recognition for hard work,” Simon said. “This award is particularly special since I spent six years on the Executive Committee, including a year as chair of the section. The list of other recipients is like a hall of fame for attorneys in California, and I am honored and humbled to join their ranks.”

One of Simon’s most notable cases, Re: Credit Default Swaps Antitrust Litigation, alleged that a group of major banks conspired to restrain trade in the market for credit default swaps. Simon was co-lead counsel on the case, which resulted in a landmark $1.86 billion settlement in 2015; it was one of the largest civil antitrust settlements in history.

More recently, Simon was appointed co-lead counsel representing purchasers in In Re: German Automotive Manufacturers Antitrust Litigation. The case alleges that Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other German car companies colluded on pricing, supply, and technological developments in violation of federal and state antitrust laws and consumer protection statutes.

Simon was introduced to UC Law SF by the late Justice Mathew Tobriner, after the two met at a gym where they both liked to box. “I started my association with UC Law SF through one of its best supporters, who was also one of the greatest California Supreme Court justices in history. No pressure, right?” Simon said.

After his appointment by Gov. Gray Davis in 2003, Simon served on the UC Law SF Board of Directors for 12 years, including acting as chairman of the board from 2009 to 2011.

“UC Law SF taught me the law and how to apply it in the real world,” he said. “I continue participating in the school because it is rewarding to be with people who care so much about the students and legal education.”