Nate Eimer is a trial lawyer who has acted as trial counsel in numerous federal and state courts and arbitration settings. Nate specializes in complex commercial litigation with emphasis on antitrust litigation. Widely recognized as one of the country’s leading antitrust practitioners, Nate has played a principal role in dozens of grand jury investigations and criminal and civil antitrust cases. He represents household-name clients in highly sophisticated matters involving price fixing conspiracies, anti-poaching agreements, monopolization, and other anti-competitive behavior. He is also regularly called upon to conduct extensive antitrust compliance audits and implement compliance programs to ensure that clients are compliant with relevant antitrust laws. Nate is sought by corporations across a wide range of industries, including chemicals, agriculture, electronics, and manufacturing, for his depth of knowledge and experience, his focus on achieving results that align with his clients’ overall business goals, and his thoughtful and pragmatic advice on the most challenging issues.
Nate has been named a Star Individual by Chambers, the only Illinois antitrust lawyer currently ranked as such, since 2012. He was also honored as “Antitrust Lawyer of the Year” in Illinois for 2011, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2025 by Best Lawyers.
Prior to co-founding Eimer Stahl LLP in July 2000, Nate was a partner at Sidley & Austin, where he was a member of the firm's Executive Committee, General Counsel to the firm, and co-head of the Commercial and Regulatory Litigation Practice Group. Nate also served as head of the firm's litigation practice in its New York office.
Experience
Case Experience
Antitrust Class Actions
- In re: Local TV Advertising Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- In re: Interior Molded Doors Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- Jones, et al. v. Micron Technology, Inc., et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- Frost, et al. v. LG Corporation et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- In re: Lithium Ion Batteries Antitrust Litigation, MDL 2420, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., et al. v. Southeast Milk, Inc., et al., U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- First Impressions Salon, Inc. v. National Milk Producers Federation, et al., U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
- Edwards, et al. v. National Milk Producers Federation, et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- In re: Optical Disk Drive Products Antitrust Litigation, MDL 2143, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- In re: Plasma-Derivative Protein Therapies Antitrust Litigation, MDL 2109, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- In re: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. Cheese Antitrust Litigation, MDL 2031, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Kleen Products, LLC v. Packaging Corporation of America, et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Standard Iron Works v. ArcelorMittal, et al., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- In re: Processed Eggs Antitrust Litigation, MDL 2002, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- In re: Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1917, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- In re: Refined Petroleum Products Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1886, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- In re: TFT-LCD (Flat Panel) Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1827, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- Mittal Steel USA Inc., et al v. Praxair. Inc., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- In re: Plastics Additives Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1684, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- MM Global Services. Inc., et al. v. The Dow Chemical Company, et al., U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
- In re: Parcel Tanker Shipping Services Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1568; U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
- Ice Cream Liquidation. Inc. v. Land O'Lakes, Inc., et al., U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
- Knevelbaard Dairies, a general partnership consisting of John Knevelbaard and Sam Knevelbaard, general partners v. Kraft Foods, Inc. et al., U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- In re: Linerboard Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1761, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- In re: Commercial Tissue Products Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1189, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
- In re: High Fructose Corn Syrup Litigation, MDL 1087, U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- In re: Brand Name Drugs Antitrust Litigation, MDL 997, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- In re: Carbon Dioxide Antitrust Litigation, MDL 940, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division
- In re: Florida Dairy Products Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- Greater Rockford Energy and Technology Corporation, et al. v. Shell Oil Co., et al., U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- In re: LDPE Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- In re: Fine Paper Antitrust Litigation, MDL 323, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- State of Arkansas v. Borden, Inc., et al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas
- Montreal Trading Ltd. v. AMAX. Inc., et al., U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
- In re: Potash Antitrust Litigation, MDL 272, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- In re: Arizona Dairy Products Litigation, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
Antitrust Grand Juries
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Arizona Dairy Industry - U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Potash Industry - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Phosphate Industry - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Nitrogen Industry - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Arkansas Dairy Industry - U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Fine Paper Industry - U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Polyethylene Industry - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Industrial Gas Industry - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Florida Dairy Industry - U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- Grand Jury Investigation of the High Fructose Corn Syrup Industry - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Graphite Electrodes Industry - U.S. District Court for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Newsprint Industry - U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C.
- Grand Jury Investigation of Industrial Gas Industry - U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Eggs Industry - U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Original Equipment Auto Parts Industry - U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Fracking Industry - U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- Grand Jury Investigation of Electronic Component – U.S. Department of Justice, Chicago, Illinois
- Grand Jury Investigation of the Lithium Ion Batteries Industry - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
Antitrust Civil Investigations
- Investigation of the Polyethylene Industry, U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Investigation of the Petroleum Industry, U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, Washington, D.C.
- Investigations of Gasoline Pricing, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. and numerous State Attorneys General
- Investigation of Gasoline Pricing, United States Senate, Washington, D.C.
- Federal Trade Commission Investigation of Petroleum Industry Practices and Pricing
- Investigation of Standard Setting Organization, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C
Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Chambers & Partners
Nate has been recognized by Chambers since 2002 and has been named a Star Individual, the only Illinois antitrust lawyer currently ranked as such, since 2012. Awarded to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field, Star Individuals are defined by Chambers as "among the crème de la crème—the standard by which others are judged." Much client commentary focuses on Nate’s ability to understand his clients’ businesses and formulate advice based on their particular needs. One client notes they seek Nate’s services “because of his keen understanding of the way we do business and what’s important to us. That’s unique to him and his firm.” Another states, “He understood our pain points and our needs and he could meld that into how to defend us. He always provides very practical advice.”
Best Lawyers
Recognized since 2006, one client comments, “Nate Eimer is the authority on antitrust law in the United States. He is extremely knowledgeable and highly respected amongst antitrust practitioners.” Nate’s Best Lawyers honors include six “Lawyer of the Year” awards—2011, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2025—for Antitrust Law in Illinois. “Lawyer of the Year,” awarded to only one attorney in a specific practice area and region, is based on notable voting averages received during the peer review assessment, indicating a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.
Benchmark Litigation
Nate has been honored as both a “Litigation Star” and a “National Practice Area Star,” accolades given to attorneys consistently recommended by clients and peers for their strong case record and exceptional feedback during Benchmark Litigation’s comprehensive research to identify the nation’s top litigation firms and attorneys.
Lawdragon
Nate is among the standout lawyers named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America guide, which is dedicated to those attorneys who excel at representing corporations in litigating claims involving a wide range of disputes, including antitrust, product liability, and government investigations, among others.
Leading Lawyers
Attorneys recognized by Leading Lawyers are recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in their areas of practice. Nate, endorsed in the areas of antitrust law and commercial litigation, is named a Leading Lawyer year after year.
BTI Client Service All-Star
Showcasing attorneys who are unsurpassed in their delivery of client service, exceptional legal skills, and unmatched business understanding, BTI Consulting Group included Nate in an elite group of lawyers based on client nominations for superior client services.