Microsoft (MSFT.O) has changed its legal representation in a Delaware Chancery Court case concerning its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, replacing Simpson Thacher & Bartlett with Jenner & Block—marking a notable shift amid broader political and legal tensions.
Court documents confirmed the switch, although no specific reason was provided. Microsoft told Reuters that Simpson Thacher still advises the company on other legal matters. It’s not uncommon for firms to change legal counsel due to cost considerations, conflicts of interest, or strategic shifts.
Simpson Thacher had previously settled with the Trump administration to avoid a damaging executive order. In contrast, Jenner & Block, along with three other firms, is actively challenging the White House over executive actions they call retaliatory and unconstitutional. These orders reportedly targeted firms with links to figures in the U.S. special counsel investigation into Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Microsoft’s new counsel, Jenner & Block, has previously represented the tech giant. Its lawsuit against the administration argues the executive order was meant to punish the firm for its associations and discourage others from offering legal services to those critical of Trump.
The shareholder lawsuit Microsoft faces alleges Activision Blizzard approved a draft rather than the final merger agreement. Microsoft is seeking court validation of the deal and opposes a $15 million attorney fee requested by lawyers for an Activision shareholder.
