Baker & Hostetler has added a former Department of Justice official to its antitrust and competition team in New York, the firm announced Thursday.

Jeffrey Martino, who is joining the firm as a partner, was most recently chief of the DOJ's Antitrust Division for New York. He said turning to a law firm after his nearly 20-year career in government represented a chance to expand his practice.

"For my own development as an attorney, I am excited to take on different responsibilities," he said. "I haven't been on the private side, and representing clients is something I can bring a different perspective to."

Martino said that as he was exploring options outside the public sector, he was looking for a firm that shared his vision and where he could anticipate support from day one—things he found in Baker & Hostetler.

Jeffrey Martino, BakerHostetler partner (Courtesy Photo)

"I was looking for something special, where I could build on a firm's existing platform and also broaden it, specifically with my experience in international cartel work and white-collar work," he said. "What was unique to the firm is that they are able to give clients what they need with many attorneys with different perspectives."

Baker & Hostetler's large client base also drew Martino to the firm.

"One of the reasons I came to BakerHostetler was their strategy for me to gain a clientele," he said, adding that he will begin with the firm's existing clients to build his book of business and offer his unique set of experiences to provide a fuller range of services to clients.

"Jeff has had a distinguished career at the DOJ, and we are fortunate to have him join our firm to strengthen our already broad team of experienced former federal prosecutors," George Stamboulidis, co-leader of the firm's national white-collar, investigations and securities enforcement and litigation team, said in a statement. "His experience in investigations, litigation and trial work on complex domestic and international matters will be an immense benefit for BakerHostetler and our clients."

Carl Hittinger, leader of Baker & Hostetler's antitrust and competition practice team, added that Martino's hire was the second strategic addition to the practice area in recent weeks, as the firm looks to bulk up its antitrust practice. Baker & Hostetler added Marc Schildkraut, former assistant director with the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition, last month.

"[Martino] brings significant experience that will bolster our capabilities related to both antitrust criminal defense and antitrust civil prosecution and defense," Hittinger said.

Martino spent the last 17 years working at the DOJ, often in leadership positions. Prior to his stint in Antitrust Division's New York office, he served in the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Arizona as the chief of the Financial Crime and Public Integrity Section. He has experience investigating and prosecuting individuals and corporations in price fixing, bid rigging and customer allocation matters.

He also has experience in investment fraud, public corruption, civil rights crimes, identity theft, money laundering, and mortgage, procurement, tax and health care fraud matters.

"This is a firm that is trial-ready in very complex matters," Martino said, pointing to Baker & Hostetler's lead role recovering funds for Bernie Madoff victims and other work it has done in the antitrust space. "I'm hoping my experience in varying roles in the Department of Justice will help with that, and I expect my practice will go broader than even what I see for myself right now."

Joseph Muoio Jr. is serving as acting chief of the Antitrust Division with Martino's departure.