Sean Paul Gates

I am trial lawyer who represents companies in commercial litigation and a former “big law” partner who decided to cut a different path. After 20 years with some of the leading national firms and a stint as a government enforcer, I founded Charis Lex to bring my brand of hands-on, principled advocacy to a wider range of businesses.

Although I’ve tried cases involving a range of issues—such as stock option contracts, trade secrets, fraudulent conveyances, and patent infringement damages—I have a particular expertise in antitrust. I had the honor of serving as a deputy assistant director at the Federal Trade Commission, leading enforcement actions challenging anticompetitive conduct. While I was there, I was privileged to serve as trial counsel in a couple of high-profile actions. I received the Distinguished Service Award for my work at the FTC.  I am the only former FTC competition deputy assistant practicing in Los Angeles. 

I’ve been fortunate to have a few folks say nice things about my work. I was described as a “talented litigator” with an “excellent attention to detail,” “who efficiently manages discovery with an eye toward summary judgment and trial” in Chambers USA. I was named an “Attorney of the Year” by California Lawyer. I have been listed among the Southern California Super Lawyers. I’ve been called a “real trial lawyer.”

I take my craft seriously. Trial skills and substantive legal expertise don’t just happen. I am a graduate of the ABOTA Trial Academy. I served as an instructor in Mock Trial Advocacy at the Georgetown University Law Center. I regularly publish on substantive issues. In addition, I serve in the leadership of the ABA Section of Antitrust Law and have been a non-governmental advisor to the International Competition Network.