Competition/European Law: UK

Sources commend John Davies for his dedication and expertise in merger control matters, considering him to be "the kind of person you want to have as your lawyer." He regularly engages with clients on EU-level regulatory and merger control concerns and has extensive on-the-ground experience of working in Brussels.

Deirdre Trapp remains a leading figure and is highly praised for her "superb, solutions-driven" approach to a range of competition matters. Sources comment that "what really makes her stand out, apart from her outstanding skills as a legal adviser, is her complete understanding of our business as a whole." Her work includes advising Deloitte on the Competition Commission investigation into UK audit services.

Market commentators characterise David Aitman as an outstanding practitioner whose experience and expertise classify him as a market leader. His work includes acting for Paramount on the ECJ's decision on satellite decoder cards.

Jon Lawrence is held in extremely high regard by peers and clients for his "fantastic litigation nous." His leading capabilities in follow-on damages claims are exemplified by work representing ABB in defending a GBP230 million action brought against members of a gas-insulated switchgear cartel.

Market sources hold Rod Carlton in high esteem for his commitment to client service, with sources commenting that "he is very much prepared to go the extra mile." He advised the UK government on competition issues surrounding a proposed restructuring of Royal Mail, including European-level regulatory constraints.  

Paul Lomas is praised as "an outstanding litigator" who brings an "incredible wealth of experience" to the table. He represented Tesco in successfully challenging OFT claims over the pricing of dairy products. Sources praise his strategic approach and highlight his ability to "analyse difficult situations and put them across in a reassuring manner."

Simon Priddis is highly praised for his "excellent technical knowledge" and is considered "an outstanding lawyer – the combination of his legal skills and experience of working at the OFT is very valuable." His recent work draws on his extensive antitrust expertise and includes representation of the LSE during the proposed merger between Deutsche Börse and NYSE Euronext.

William Robinson is a recognised force in the contentious field and is commended for his understanding of UK and EU competition matters. His experience was exemplified by his representation of JTI in a judicial review concerning the display of tobacco goods. He also represents Air Transport Association of America in challenging the inclusion of the aviation industry in an EU carbon emissions trading scheme.

Market commentators praise Bea Tormey's "practical experience" of competition matters and highlight her work on investigations and disputes. She assisted Emirates with defending a claim brought by British Airways in damages proceedings related to an air cargo cartel.

Alexander Potter and Nicholas French are former co-heads of the firm's China competition practice; both bring a sound understanding of Chinese business practices and the country's regulatory authorities. Potter guided clients on changes to China's Anti-Monopoly Law, and also impresses sources with "his client service and knowledge of our company's businesses." He assisted Novartis on the multi-jurisdictional implementation of remedies as part of the deal to acquire Alcon. French, meanwhile, is praised for his ability to "work in a collaborative manner and get the best out of everyone." He advises on both inbound and outbound Chinese transactions.    

Market commentators attest to Christian Ahlborn's renowned expertise in the state aid arena, considering him to be "practical and user-friendly." He also draws on his experience as an economist, and his focus on state aid means that he is often engaged to advise on dealing with the EU competition authorities. Recent cases include advising Lloyds TSB on an investigation into a GBP17 billion capital injection by the government. Ahlborn is also qualified to practise in German law.

Gavin Robert is acknowledged for his commercial mindset and expertise in the natural resources and healthcare sectors. He advised Johnson & Johnson on merger clearance at both European and international levels of its USD23.1 billion acquisition of Synthes. He remains closely involved in the work of the firm in China, especially for companies with operations in Asia.

The "phenomenally hard-working" Michael Cutting is praised by peers and clients for his wide-ranging experience and tactical capabilities. His work on OFT and Competition Commission reviews for Centrica and Anglian Water highlights his knowledge of the utilities sector.

Paula Riedel is singled out for her commercial nous and practical approach, earning respect for her involvement in a comprehensive range of matters. Recent work includes advising RBS on state aid matters and producing the chapter on EU merger control for Butterworth's Competition Law.

Michael Sanders is considered a "top litigator" for his involvement in a number of key contentious matters. His expertise in damages proceedings has been instrumental in working with clients such as Air France, KLM and Martinair. He also defended Dow against damages actions brought in the aftermath of the EC's decision on the European synthetic rubber cartel.

Eamonn Doran is praised by market sources for his committed approach to client service and ability to "very quickly get you a good picture of the whole case." Along with Paula Riedel he advised RBS on an investigation into the bank's recapitalisation by the British government.  

Sources are "confident of getting a good service" from Nicole Kar and she is held in high regard for her merger control and cartel expertise. Recent highlights include advising Anglo American on the sale of copper assets in Chile to Mitsubishi. She is "steady, intelligent" and "not afraid to tread on toes to get advice to where it needs to go."

Christopher Bellamy is a pre-eminent figure and is credited for bringing strategic expertise and global experience to the team. He has worked with clients from the luxury goods and pharmaceutical sectors, and sources comment that "his name will immediately command respect." He advised on the EC's Vertical Restraints Block Exemption.

Simon Pritchard joined from Allen & Overy in 2013. He is highly regarded by market sources and brings a real depth of expertise through his experience of working at the OFT, where his responsibilities included representing UK interests in EU merger control discussions. He is highlighted for his ability to "constantly look for solutions to meet business expectations and realise commercial objectives." At his previous firm, he represented Seagate in an EU Phase II investigation into the acquisition of SAMSUNG's hard disk drive division.  

Michael Rowe is singled out by sources for his expertise in both contentious and non-contentious matters. Major highlights include advising Unilever on an EC investigation into the detergent sector. He is an experienced hand in advising on EU merger control procedures.

Isabel Taylor commands respect for her work with key clients such as Royal Mail and Bupa, and her role in state aid cases illustrates a keen grasp of EU regulatory law. Alongside Philippe Chappatte she represented Chi-X Europe in its USD305 million acquisition by BATS Trading.  

Philippe Chappatte heads the group and is held in high esteem by clients for his pragmatic and solution-driven approach. He splits his time between the firm's London and Brussels offices, through which he drives the work of the competition practice at a global level. His respected position is exemplified by work covering a range of matters, including counselling Chi-X Europe as a complainant in the subsequently blocked merger of Deutsche Börse and NYSE Euronext.

Bertrand Louveaux is praised by market commentators as being "adept at dealing with technical and demanding cases" and can draw on a "perfect background" in both economics and law. He led in advising British Airways on actions arising from the EC investigation into an air cargo cartel.

Mark Friend is highly respected as a "thorough, customer-focused and pragmatic" antitrust expert. He is highlighted by sources as being "extremely experienced in all aspects of merger control." His recent work saw him represent a large international bank during EC investigations into credit default swap markets.

Market sources say Antonio Bavasso has "a good ability to think outside the box" and characterise him as "knowledgeable, assiduous and creative." His reputation is summarised by an impressive roster of work that includes representing Twentieth Century Fox in the Competition Commission's high-profile inquiry into films on pay TV. He also acted for interested parties on an EC investigation into alleged abuse of dominance by Google.

Julian Ellison acts on UK as well as EU cases, recently advising Edmundson on a recent merger control process before the OFT.

Nigel Parr heads the team and is widely acclaimed for a heavyweight practice that spans the full range of contentious and non-contentious work: "He is very commercial and pragmatic at getting to the heart of the arguments." Sources also comment that "he has very in-depth technical knowledge of competition law." Recent highlights include advising Intel on appealing against a fine of over GBP1 billion levied by the EC for alleged abuse of dominance.

Euan Burrows is praised as a "standout lawyer" who "knows the ins and outs of competition law." Highlights from the past year include representing an investment bank in the EC investigation into the TIBOR market.  

Duncan Liddell is highly respected by commentators for his ability to "take a list of what you want to achieve and then work efficiently towards that goal." He has been involved in numerous heavyweight matters recently, including advising RBS on an EC investigation into Visa and MasterCard schemes.

Ben Tidswell brings experience as a litigator to his competition practice and continues to impress sources with his expertise. Recent work includes representing Telefónica O2 before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal in challenging a decision by Ofcom.

Michael Jewell offers "extremely thorough drafting," the ability to co-ordinate the input of overseas counsel and 24/7 availability, sources claim. He offers particularly helpful insights into Chinese antitrust and merger control regimes.

Oliver Bretz splits his time between Paris, Brussels and London, yet his position as a leader in the UK marketplace remains unanimously high.

Elizabeth Morony is cited as a "top-drawer" competition litigation lawyer who attracts praise as a real force in cartel investigations. She is respected for her expertise and "real understanding of how things work." Her recent work also includes representing Morgan Crucible in a damages claim brought by Deutsche Bahn and others against members of a carbon and graphite products cartel.

Alex Nourry heads the London antitrust practice and is highly respected for his expertise in a broad range of sectors including communications, IT and pharmaceuticals. Highlights from the past year include acting for Princes on its GBP182 million acquisition of Premier Foods' canning operations. He has also been instructed to advise on EC abuse of dominance investigations.

Market commentators are full of praise for "easy to get along with" Greg Olsen and his expertise in merger control matters. Recent examples of his work include advising RBS on the sale of its worldwide aircraft-leasing business and acting for National Australia Bank on its UK strategy following divestments by competitors.

Luke Tolaini is held in high regard for his expertise in competition litigation and cross-border fraud investigations. Recent highlights include acting for Siemens in defending claims for damages brought by National Grid in an action against members of the gas-insulated switchgear cartel. He also works with multi-national clients on strategic responses to allegations of anti-competitive behaviour.

Stephen Wisking is an "incredible advocate" who is considered a leading practitioner in competition law. His truly glowing feedback reflects the esteem in which he is held, with sources confirming that "he really leads in a way that has been effective for us as a business." His international expertise was on display when he acted for Pilkington in an appeal against the results of an EC investigation into the car glass cartel, as well as defence of follow-on claims.

Practice head James Quinney is "exceptionally knowledgeable, diligent and thorough," and impresses sources with his expertise in non-contentious matters. His recent work includes advising Apache on obtaining EU merger control clearance for its acquisition of Exxon's North Sea interests. He also handles disputes.

Dorothy Livingston acts as a consultant to the group and is admired for her "long-standing experience." She continues to work with clients from a range of sectors, and is particularly highlighted for her expertise in the banking industry. Her recent experience includes advising on the application of EU merger control law.

Elizabeth McKnight is praised as being "incredibly strong both analytically and strategically." Her recent work included advising BSkyB on News Corporation's high-profile proposed bid for its shares and the effect of both UK and EU competition law on the deal. She also represented a banking client as an intervening party in an appeal before the European General Court.  

Senior partner Jonathan Scott is considered "the voice of experience" who is praised for his "common sense and technical expertise." He remains a key figure in the group, advising clients such as Yell, Northern Foods and Virgin Atlantic.

Ciara Kennedy-Loest is an expert in public procurement law. An English solicitor, she represents Alstom in a UK procurement case against Eurostar and Siemens.

Matthew Levitt acts for clients in London as well as Brussels, recently advising Northumbrian Water on EU merger control for its GBP4.7 billion sale.  

Suyong Kim wins acclaim for her commercial awareness and approach to client service.  Her work for Morrisons and its subsidiary, Safeway, resulted in the successful overturning of an OFT fine for tobacco price fixing.

Market commentators are full of praise for John Pheasant, highlighting his extensive experience in the field. His recent work includes representing Mersen in defending damages claims following an EC decision on the existence of a carbon graphite cartel.

Global practice co-head Susan Bright is highly regarded by market sources as an excellent practitioner whose experience runs the gamut of competition law. Her recent highlights include working with the firm's Washington, DC office to advise Alberto Culver on its acquisition by Unilever.

Lesley Ainsworth stands out for her strong merger control and market investigation capabilities.

Stephen Kon heads the group and is held in extremely high esteem as one of the market's leading competition lawyers. He is considered "an experienced hand who provides excellent practical guidance" and possesses "fantastic commercial awareness that is second nature to him." He is routinely involved in some of the practice's most high-profile matters, including advising a consortium of tyre manufacturers in follow-on damages claims stemming from the EC's synthetic rubber cartel decision. Universal Music Group also turned to him on notifying the EC over its GBP900 million purchase of EMI's recorded music division.

Cameron Firth is praised by sources as a "very pragmatic and co-operative" solicitor who delivers "extremely commercial advice." His guidance has been sought by private equity houses on cross-border acquisitions and disposals, and he acts for Qantas on fines levied as a result of the air freight cartel investigation.

Commentators praise Simon Holmes for his expertise across all aspects of merger control advice. Sources comment that working with him "is like working with someone in your own team." He represented government-funded body WRAP in multiple competition concerns, and assisted with Universal's purchase of EMI's music division.

Sources are full of praise for Tom Usher and consider him to be "very responsive and practical." Clients emphasise his commercial awareness, characterising him as "a strategic thinker." He lends his expertise to both domestic and European cartel investigations.

Elaine Gibson-Bolton is praised as being "knowledgeable, responsive" and highly organised. She represents Qantas along with colleague Cameron Firth, including in the defence of damages claims brought following the air cargo cartel decision.

Thomas Cassels is held in high regard by market commentators for his expertise in contentious competition matters. His strategic approach to litigation is underlined by clients and his expertise covers a range of sectors. He is part of a team advising Shell on the defence of damages claims across a number of jurisdictions arising from a paraffin waxes cartel.

Samantha Mobley is highly acclaimed for her command of a wide range of competition matters. Sources comment that she is "incredibly helpful and experienced." Her position as global practice head means she is instructed to advise on matters arising around the world. Recently she has been assisting Panalpina World Transport with cartel defence strategies across 13 different jurisdictions.

David Harrison heads the group and brings experience of having practised extensively in Brussels. He is praised as being "tenacious and very focused on doing the best for his client." He acted for the Association for Financial Markets in Europe on providing input to the EC over the now abandoned merger between Deutsche Börse and NYSE Euronext.

Practice head Mike Pullen continues to impress sources with his expertise in competition disputes. Sources praise him for his commercial mindset and note that he remains unfailingly responsive.

Martin Rees is held in high regard by commentators for his wide-ranging expertise in cartel investigations and appeals. He played a part in the firm's representation of an Asian airline carrier in an appeal against the EC's air cargo cartel decision.

Marc Hansen is praised for his "meticulous attention to detail" and recognised as an expert in cartel matters. He also has an impressive track record of dealing with the needs of Japanese-headquartered clients. His continued involvement in high-profile, multi-jurisdictional investigations has continued apace in recent months, including in EC probes into the automotive wire harnesses and prestressing steel sectors. Indeed, he acted on a successful appeal that radically reduced a cartel fine imposed on client ArcelorMittal, a case that also involved John Kallaugher. Kallaugher is particularly noted for his strengths in handling transport concerns, including merger control filings. He splits his time between the firm's London and Brussels offices, offering an impressive depth of experience of both UK and European regulatory law.

John Colahan is widely acclaimed as a "very knowledgeable" figure whose detailed, dedicated approach has won admirers. He represented Global Crossing in obtaining clearance before the OFT and the US Department of Justice for its merger with Level 3.

Practice leader Martin Coleman is held in high regard as a "sound, experienced competition lawyer" who brings an accomplished range of experience to the fore. Along with Peter Scott he advised HSBC in an appeal against the EC decision on MasterCard interchange rates.

Sources confirm Michael Grenfell as being a solicitor who "thinks out of the box" and is "imaginative, hard-working and a pleasure to work with." Examples of his work from the past year include acting for BMW in obtaining EC clearance for its acquisition of ING Car Lease.

Peter Scott is "an incredibly bright young litigator" who is praised for his "great ability to get to the essential point in double-quick time." Since joining the competition group in 2005 he has gained experience in a wide range of contentious antitrust matters. He counsels RWE in a case arising from defending damages claims brought against members of the candle wax cartel.

Mark Jones carries a reputation for being "unbelievably client-friendly." He also brings "good insights into the regulator's mindset" thanks to a spell of working at the OFT.