We are very sad to report that our longtime partner and friend Ethan Posner passed away on February 12, 2026. After graduating from Wesleyan University and the University of Michigan Law School and clerking for Judge Harrison Winter of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Ethan joined the firm as an associate in 1990, became a partner in 1997, and spent his entire private practice career here. In 1999, Ethan left the firm for two years to serve with great distinction as Deputy Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Early in his career, Ethan was a general litigator who handled a wide array of litigation matters in disciplines ranging from antitrust to criminal law with a particular interest in sports law and RICO claims. After returning from DOJ, Ethan became, and remained for the next 25 years, a leader of the firm’s work for pharmaceutical, medical device, and health care industry clients in high-profile federal criminal and civil investigations, state AG proceedings, False Claims Act cases, and Congressional investigations. He was an outstanding litigator and strategist, as well as a brilliant, forceful, creative, and skilled advocate for the interests of firm clients. As a specialist in handling challenging, complex, and protracted litigation matters, he knew how to take the long view and keep his wits and his sense of humor intact along the way.
Outside of the firm, Ethan had wide-ranging interests, including serving as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown Law, and a wide circle of friends and admirers, but the focal point was always his family. Over the past three years, Ethan battled cancer with courage, resolve, and dignity, inspiring all who have had contact with him during this difficult period.
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