Well-regarded for its ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’, the ‘indefatigable’ team at Clifford Chance LLP is capable across the full gamut of merger control filings and antitrust investigations. Technology sector expertise is a defining characteristic of the practice group, advising some of the world’s leading tech and ecommerce companies on critical transactions. The team is led by the ‘extremely talented’ Nelson Jung, who stands out for his focus on the technology, pharmaceutical and retail sectors, working with clients on both behavioural and merger control matters. Jung regularly works with Stavroula Vryna, who boasts extensive experience of leading antitrust investigations and multijurisdictional merger control matters. Alex Nourry, who moved into a consultant position in 2024, continues to assist the team on all aspects of EU and UK competition law. The team has been bolstered by the arrival of Michael Grenfell, who previously served as the executive director of enforcement at the CMA. Former practice head Greg Olsen has retired.

Praised for its ‘a wealth of experience’, the ‘highly commercial and focused’ team at Linklaters LLP handles the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious competition matters. Trusted advisers to industry giants such as Microsoft, Vodafone and Meta, the team showcases its expertise in merger control work, enjoying recent success handling Phase II investigations. Natura Gracia, a dual-qualified (English and Spanish) practitioner, is the London practice head, and advises on a wide range of competition matters, including complex global mergers involving filings under merger control and foreign investment regimes in multiple jurisdictions. Bruce Kilpatrick, who returns to the team from Addleshaw Goddard, stands out for his ability to handle complex Phase II merger investigations and related appeals. Other notable individuals include Anna Mitchell, who is highly regarded for her experience in UK and EU merger control, UK public M&A, multijurisdictional deals and market investigations, and Verity Egerton-Doyle, who is noted for her work on complex merger and behavioural investigations.

Slaughter and May‘s ‘very responsive, knowledgeable and collaborative’ team is well-placed to handle a wide range of prominent competition and antitrust matters for its diverse roster blue-chip multinational clients. The team regularly achieve strategically and commercially successful results, with a particular strength in managing complex, multijurisdictional matters. The practice is jointly led by Bertrand Louveaux and Claire Jeffs. Louveaux maintains a busy practice, acting on a range of high-profile contentious and non-contentious competition matters across the EU and UK in the last year, while Jeffs is highly regarded for her experience in coordinating merger approvals worldwide. Isabel Taylor has been described as ‘incredibly clever and knowledgeable’, while William Turtle is recommended for his experience in a wide range of competition and regulatory matters. Recently promoted to partner, Tina Zhuo continues to play a key role in high-profile merger cases before the CMA and EC. Philippe Chappatte has retired.

In May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling completed a transatlantic merger, forming A&O Shearman. The firm retains a prominent position in the London competition market, advising a prolific roster of blue-chip multinationals and financial services clients on the full scope of competition and antitrust matters. The team is renowned for its ability to handle high-value, multijurisdictional mergers, cartels, behavioural investigations, contentious matters and FDI issues. Antitrust co-chair Dominic Long, who splits his time between the London and Brussels offices, specialises in complex cross-border merger clearances and cartel investigations, while Matthew Readings regularly advises clients across a myriad of industries on merger control and FDI clearances. Praised as ‘very reassuring and calm in a crisis’, Philip Mansfield stands out for his expertise in the tech sector, while Thomas Masterman advises on the full spectrum of competition matters and, alongside co-head Long, has developed the firm’s UK national security and FDI practice.

Lauded for its ‘deep knowledge‘ and ‘high level of legal advice and strategic guidance’, the competition team at Ashurst works with clients across the full suite of competition and regulatory issues, regularly advising on significant mergers and cartel investigations. Head of the London Antitrust team Duncan Liddell remains active on high-profile contentious and non-contentious competition matters, both in the UK and across the EU. Euan Burrows is noted for his strategic advice, while Nigel Parr, chair of the firm’s global antitrust practice, stands out for his work on leading contentious and non-contentious matters in the UK and Brussels. Neil Cuninghame draws considerable praise from clients for his ability to provide ‘clear and pragmatic advice’, while Steven Vaz‘s practice covers multijurisdictional merger control and foreign investment control and leading behavioural cases.

Fielding a strong team that is highly regarded for its ability to cover the full scope of merger control, antitrust investigations and FDI matters, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is praised by clients for its ‘deep industry knowledge and strong technical expertise.’ The firm works with a diverse roster of clients, comprising multinational companies in sectors as diverse as energy, manufacturing, TMT and pharmaceuticals. Practice head Veronica Roberts, who specialises in complex cross-border merger clearances, with a particular emphasis on the media, telecoms and leisure sectors. She often works with Stephen Wisking, who is routinely involved in a significant number of competition and regulatory cases at EU and UK level, and stands out for his litigation capabilities. Susan Black is noted for her experience advising clients on market studies and investigations, while Kim Dietzel stands out for her focus on litigation and cartel cases, as well as merger control matters. Suzy Campbell continues to assist on the firm’s key workstreams.

Labelled as ‘second to none’, the team at Latham & Watkins remains active on big-ticket multijurisdictional mergers, showcasing its expertise before the European Commission and the CMA on a series of in-depth Phase II investigations. Regularly active across the tech, media, financial services and life sciences sectors, the team assists its stellar roster of clients on the full scope of contentious and non-contentious competition matters. Praised for his ability to provide ‘calm and measured advice’, David Little advises clients on UK, EU, and international competition law matters, including merger control, anticompetitive agreements, abuse of dominance, and litigation. Jonathan Parker maintains a busy practice, working on high-profile and complex matters, while Simon Pritchard is recommended for his experience across a wide range of complex transactional, regulatory, and enforcement matters. Greg Bonné, ‘a very hands-on partner’, demonstrates considerable experience in merger control matters.

The ‘exceptional’ team at Baker McKenzie work with a diverse roster of clients, including a number of multinational companies hailing from the worlds of energy, manufacturing, retail and healthcare. The practice is well positioned to assist on both contentious and non-contentious matters, on a domestic and international scale. The team is jointly led by Samantha Mobley and Tristan Grimmer. A mix of blue-chip corporates turn to Mobley for her capabilities on transactional matters and her experience before regulatory authorities, while Grimmer is praised for his capabilities across the full scope of competition law matters. Other key figures include Keith Jones, noted for his work on international transactions, contentious and regulatory matters, and James Robinson, an antitrust investigations specialist.

Characterised as the ‘best team in the market to coordinate complex multijurisdictional FDI notifications’, Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is well-versed in the full gamut of competition law matters, routinely instructing blue-chip clients hailing from the natural resources, TMT and financial services sectors. Practice head Alasdair Balfour handles the full spectrum of antitrust, foreign investment and national security and regulatory law, focusing especially on securing approvals for transactions. Sally Evans, a dual-qualified (English and Belgian) practitioner, has a particular strength in UK merger control, having played a lead role in several successful CMA remedy cases. Satyen Dhana  joined the team from Simmons & Simmons. Former practice head Paula Riedel has retired.

Steered by the ‘experienced’ and ‘incredibly hardworking’ Cameron Firth, Macfarlanes LLP remains strong choice for a diverse range of clients seeking assistance in behavioural and transactional competition matters. The team is particularly strong in the consumer, financial services, media and pharmaceutical sectors, and is regularly engaged by a number of household names. Malcolm Walton, described as 'an excellent lawyer with a commercial focus', regularly deals with the CMA and European Commission in merger cases, while Tom Usher boasts considerable expertise advising on sectoral inquiries relating to financial services, broadcasting markets, extended warranties and pricing issues.

Noted for its particular focus on the technology, financial, transport and energy sectors, the ‘excellent’ team at Norton Rose Fulbright is well placed to assist clients on the full spectrum of competition matters. Ian Giles heads the firm’s EMEA antitrust practice, and is noted for his focus on merger control and cartels. He leads the team alongside London head Caroline Thomas, who maintains a robust contentious practice, routinely working with clients in the tech sector. Mark Tricker is recommended for his expertise in merger control clearances, cartel investigations and market investigations, while Helen Fairhead is lauded as ‘super-sharp and very commercial.’ Former practice co-head Mark Simpson  left the firm to join Cooley (UK) LLP.

Highlighted for its ‘deep knowledge’ and ‘commercially focused lens’, Addleshaw Goddard frequently advises on merger control, investigations, and state aid issues. The ‘expert and effective’ Rona-Bar Isaac co-leads the team, offering extensive expertise in complex market investigations. Fellow co-head Mark Molyneux leads the firm’s competition disputes practice and frequently handles cases before the UK courts. The London office has been bolstered by the recent additions of Laila Wood from Clifford Chance LLP and managing associate Simon Albert from Alston & Bird LLP. Former national practice head Bruce Kilpatrick  left for Linklaters LLP in autumn 2023.

Renowned for its ‘unparalleled experience in handling matters at the interface with IP’, Bristows LLP advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious competition matters, with a proven track record of representing clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. Practice head Sophie Lawrance is a key contact for clients in the technology and pharmaceutical industries, offering specialised guidance on competition law issues, including licensing standard essential patents. Stephen Smith maintains a busy practice, advising clients on a wide array of EU and UK competition law matters across the life sciences, financial services, retail, telecommunications, and technology sectors.

Lauded for its ‘commercial and technical’ approach, the team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is adept at providing extensive strategic competition advice to its diverse roster of clients. The ‘exceptional’ Andrew Hockley – currently based in Sydney – leads the global antitrust practice, and brings vast experience in the regulated utilities and energy sectors. The UK antitrust practice is led by Edward Coulson , who is noted for his focus on competition litigation and class actions.

Capitalising on its extensive global network, the team at CMS, praised by clients for its ‘pragmatic and commercial’ advice, is well versed in the full gamut of UK and EU competition matters, particularly excelling in the digital, media, energy, and pharmaceutical arenas. The team is led by the ‘quick witted and commercial’ Brian Sher, who maintains a busy practice, acting on a range of high-profile contentious and non-contentious competition matters across the EU and UK. The ‘outstanding’ Neil Baylis, who joined the team from Mishcon de Reya LLP in 2023, regularly advises on complex mergers and investigations.

The competition group at DLA Piper covers the full range of services, including merger control, FDI clearance, regulatory investigations, and decision appeals. The practice is particularly strong in the pharmaceutical and sports sectors, often advising major pharmaceutical companies and high-profile sports clubs and associations. Practice head Sarah Smith continues to lead on complex and high-profile merger control matters. She is supported by the ‘commercially savvy‘ Matt Evans, who is regularly engaged by multinational and UK businesses on complex UK and EU competition law matters and NSIA notifications.

Euclid Law is an independent competition boutique that clients regard as ‘wired to win.'  The practice excels in both contentious and non-contentious matters, routinely handling merger control proceedings, FDI filings and investigations. The team is led by founder Oliver Bretz and Brussels-based Andrea Zulli, both highly regarded in the field. Sarah Long is recommended for her expertise in online markets and the digital economy, particularly pertaining to telecoms. Other key figures include Natalie Greenwood, who advises on a broad range of matters including cartels, mergers, joint ventures, distribution issues, behavioural antitrust and competition litigation; Gavin Robert, noted for his focus on the healthcare, natural resources, and financial services sectors; and the ‘brilliant’ Marie Leppard.

Fielding a ‘strong team with in-depth knowledge’, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP assists clients with all facets of UK and EU competition law. The team frequently handles merger control proceedings, FDI filings, and investigations. Head of the Competition, EU and Trade team, James Lindop, advises extensively on foreign investment, particularly in relation to the UK NSIA, and on the Subsidy Control Act and Foreign Subsidies Regulation. Claire Morgan is described as ‘very approachable and responsive’, while Peter Harper is lauded as a ‘standout practitioner with unfailingly good judgment and a huge depth of experience.’ Former practice head Ros Kellaway  has retired.

Working with an impressive array of blue-chip multinational clients, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advises on the full gamut of contentious and contentious competition matters. Its expertise in Phase 2 merger control cases before the CMA is a hallmark of the practice. The ‘outstanding’ and ‘commercially astute’, Ali Nikpay holds an excellent market reputation for his proficiency in both behavioural and merger control matters. Deirdre Taylor - described as an ‘absolute star’- is noted for her focus on the technology, retail, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.

Housing a ‘top-tier’ competition practice which is noted for its ‘depth of expertise’, Pinsent Masons LLP consistently attracts high-profile clients across the life sciences, financial services, and automotive sectors, who turn to the team for both contentious and non-contentious matters. Practice head Alan Davis, praised for his ‘astonishing versatility’, specialises in CMA investigations into anti-competitive agreements and practices. Angelique Bret regularly advises on competition law relating to the abuse of monopoly power and anti-competitive agreements, cartels and consumer protection, while Robert Vidal is praised by clients for being ‘experienced, immensely knowledgeable, personable and calm.’

Simmons & Simmons garners significant praise from various clients, who commend the competition group for delivering ‘top-notch work’ with a ‘proactive’ approach. Utilising its expansive global network, the team is adept at handling merger control and antitrust matters, as well as behavioural investigations, regularly working for clients in the TMT, financial services, life sciences, and healthcare sectors. Practice head Mark Jephcott specialises in all aspects of competition law in relation to the regimes of the UK, Europe and many jurisdictions in Asia – in particular, Greater China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Clients hailing from the worlds of finance, retail, technology, energy and infrastructure turn to David Trapp for his proficiency in merger control matters and contentious proceedings before the CMA and EC. Satyen Dhana has left the firm.

Described as ‘simply outstanding’, the team at Travers Smith LLP handles a broad spectrum of competition law issues, including merger control, FDI clearances, and behavioural and cartel investigations. Practice head Nigel Seay brings extensive experience in securing EU, UK, and international merger control clearances across a range of sectors. The ‘technically excellent’ Stephen Whitfield has a broad practice focus, advising on competition issues in the technology, financial services, life sciences, and media sectors. Senior counsel Ingrid Hodgskiss is praised for her ‘deep understanding of competition law’ and ability to ‘deliver outstanding legal advice while keeping commercial aspects in focus.’

Fielding a team that is noted for its ‘strong commercial acumen’, Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP‘s competition practice leverages its transatlantic capabilities to represent some of the world’s leading corporates on high-profile competition mandates. The team has recently handled several market-leading antitrust matters, notably advising Microsoft on its $68.7bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc. Practice head Jenine Hulsmann, described as ‘highly commercial and skilled‘, is highly regarded for her merger control expertise. Niklas Maydell, who splits his time between London and Brussels, is rountinely engaged by corporations on a wide range of merger control and behavioural antitrust matters.

The ‘highly dynamic’ team at Akin is reputed for its deep expertise in multi-jurisdictional merger control, behavioural investigations and state aid. Boasting a client base that includes large multinationals, investment funds and top financial institutions, the team also excels in complex litigation matters. Practice head Davina Garrod advises on M&A, joint ventures, strategic alliances, restructuring, and various equity and debt investments, and earns praise for her ‘excellent technical knowledge and commercial acumen.’ Scott Pettifor, hailed as an ‘excellent, talented lawyer‘, offers guidance on merger control and behavioural issues across the  telecoms, pharma, food, retail, media, and insurance sectors.

Drawing on the firm’s global network, the team at Dentons possesses the capabilities to provide advice on the full scope of contentious and non-contentious competition matters, advising clients across the financial services, real estate, transport, and energy sectors. Leading the team is Adrian Magnus , who specialises in merger control and behavioural matters, with a keen focus on the competition aspects of commercial contracts.  Christopher Graf's practice covers the full range of competition matters, with a particular focus on merger control, investigations, distribution arrangements and economic regulation. The team continues to grow with the arrival of Laura Whyatt, who joins from Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP.

The ‘very responsive and pragmatic’ team at Fieldfisher is frequently engaged by a diverse client base on the full range of competition law issues. The practice is rated for its proficiency in handling complex cross-border deals that require multiple merger and FDI filings, alongside numerous cartel investigations. John Cassels leads the team and is noted for his expertise in UK and EU competition law matters, with a notable record in investigation cases. A litany of clients in the food, retail and life sciences sectors turn to Jessica Gardner for her assistance on CMA investigations.

Praised for its ‘first-rate legal knowledge’, the team at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP acts for clients across various industries, including private equity, media, telecoms, technology, and financial services. The team is adept at handling the full range of competition law issues, from cartels and dominance cases to layered Phase II investigations. The team is led by the ‘highly strategic’ Tobias Caspary, whose practice covers abuse of dominance disputes, state aid, FDI clearances and merger control matters.

The competition group at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP is highly regarded for its ‘wide range of experience across jurisdictions’ on both contentious and non-contentious competition issues. The team has established a strong reputation in the pharmaceutical sector, frequently representing prominent corporations in numerous CMA investigations. Practice head Frances Murphy is trusted by clients to manage their complex, high-profile cases and is instrumental in the team’s involvement in significant matters. Leonidas Theodosiou, praised for his 'thoughtful, pragmatic, client-centric approach', boasts capabilities in UK, EU, and US competition law.

‘Responsive, professional and business oriented’, Reed Smith LLP is frequently engaged by clients across the media, energy, agriculture, shipping, and logistics sectors. Leveraging the firm’s extensive global network, the team offers expertise in complex, multijurisdictional competition law matters, including antitrust merger control proceedings and state aid issues. Practice head Marjorie Holmes, praised for her ‘invaluable knowledge and experience’, routinely advises on competition law across various industries. With over 20 years of experience in UK and EU competition law, Ross Mackenzie regularly advises high-profile corporates on mergers, antitrust issues, and market investigations. Other key figures include Emma Weeden, who is recommended for her expertise in advising clients in the retail and consumer goods sectors.

Offering extensive expertise across a range of competition matters, the team at Ropes & Gray LLP maintains an active practice, advising on merger control, FDI clearances, conduct, compliance, and antitrust counseling. The team is frequently engaged by blue-chip corporates, pharmaceutical companies, and private equity clients on complex, multijurisdictional merger control matters. Practice head Ruchit Patel is a key adviser to some of the world’s largest companies on matters before the CMA and the European Commission.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP fields a ‘commercially minded‘ team that benefits from strong cross-practice collaboration, working with clients on a wide variety of competition matters. The practice is consistently sought after by blue-chip clients for its expertise in complex and market-leading transactions. The team is headed up by Antonio Bavasso, a respected antitrust lawyer renowned for his considerable experience in merger reviews, government antitrust investigations, and antitrust litigation. Étienne Renaudeau is noted for his focus on obtaining antitrust approvals for high-profile, cross-border transactions. Ross Ferguson left the firm to join Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in April 2024.

Well regarded for its ability to find ‘pragmatic and practical solutions’, the team at Squire Patton Boggs handles multi-jurisdictional merger clearances, cartel investigations, FDI reviews, and state aid matters, attracting a diverse range of clients. Practice head Diarmuid Ryan , who divides his time between London and Brussels, specialises in competition compliance advice, including designing compliance programs and managing dawn raids. Francesco Liberatore, who earns praise for his ‘excellent technical knowledge’, is noted for his expertise in the tech and digital economy sectors, advising clients on all aspects of competition law.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP‘s ‘very skilled’ competition group is trusted by a diverse range of blue-chip corporate clients for its expertise in multijurisdictional merger control, compliance reviews, and abuse of dominance inquiries. Philipp Girardet, head of the London and European practice, is highly regarded for his ability to handle complex merger and cartel cases. Rahul Saha specialises in merger control and foreign investment matters, with a particular focus on private equity transactions.

The ‘first-class’ team at Arnold & Porter is well positioned to assist clients on both contentious and non-contentious competition matters, with a strong focus on sectors such as life sciences, consumer goods, media, and transport. Practice head John Schmidt is highly experienced in complex conduct issues, investigations, litigation, and mergers. The competition litigation team is led by Jane Wessel, who specialises in handling competition damages litigation in both the English High Court and the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Bird & Bird LLP‘s team is acclaimed for its ‘depth of knowledge across the team’, with expertise across a wide range of sectors including IP, sport, financial services, technology, energy, and retail. The practice regularly advises some of the world’s largest corporations on a broad spectrum of competition law matters, from merger clearances to national security considerations in acquisitions. Practice head Peter Willis boasts over 30 years of experience advising businesses on competition and regulation, having worked extensively in London and Brussels across multiple sectors. Ariane Le Strat stands out for her expertise in vertical supply chain arrangements, while Saskia King is described as a ‘star when it comes to competition advisory work.’

Highlighted for its ‘excellent knowledge and experience of competition law’, Burges Salmon LLP excels in a wide range of merger clearance mandates, investigations, state aid, subsidy control, and procurement matters. The practice supports clients across various industries, including technology, financial services, healthcare, and utilities. Dividing his time between London and Bristol, the ‘calm and confident’ Chris Worrall maintains a busy practice, advising high-profile clients - including various household corporates - on key antitrust matters. John Houlden is well-regarded for his proficiency in state aid and subsidy control, while Shachi Nathdwarawala has built notable expertise in the financial services and healthcare sectors.

Covington & Burling LLP maintains a strong track record of representing blue-chip clients in the pharmaceutical, technology, and financial services sectors. The firm is adept at handling a comprehensive range of competition law matters, from merger control and FDI clearances to enforcement investigations. The practice is co-led by Johan Ysewyn, who divides his time between London and Brussels, and merger control specialist James Marshall. Elsewhere in the team, Christian Ahlborn is a key port of call for major corporates, banks and financial institutions on all aspects of UK and EU competition matters. Ross Evans joins the team from Baker McKenzie, and specialises in FDI and NSIA matters.

Lauded for its ‘excellent communication’ and ‘always excellent advice’, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP‘s competition practice is well-equipped to handle large-scale, multijurisdictional merger control issues and behavioural matters. Practice head Timothy McIver, praised for his ‘excellent breadth of experience’, maintains a focus on international matters, providing strategic advice on global antitrust strategies. Anne-Mette Heemsoth advises on foreign investment risks and controls, and oversees foreign investment reviews for clients.

Working closely with a strong team in Brussels, the competition group at Dechert LLP advises a number of high-profile corporates on EC and CMA investigations, as well as managing the merger control aspects of major transactions. The practice is jointly steered by Mike Cowie and Steven Bizar, who are both based in the US. The London team includes Douglas Lahnborg, who regularly focuses on national and international competition mandates, and Saira Henry, who is noted for her specialism in NSIA notifications.

Bernardine Adkins leads Gowling WLG‘s team, bringing over 30 years of experience in EU, trade, and competition law. Noted for its ability to advise at the intersection of intellectual property and competition law, the team is highly skilled in advising clients on UK and EU competition law, with a strong emphasis on state aid issues. Samuel Beighton is noted for his expertise across various aspects of competition law, including merger control, conducting dawn raids, and managing investigations.

Housing a ‘top quality competition practice’, HFW advises a wide range of clients across the shipping, trade, logistics, commodities, insurance, and energy sectors on both contentious and non-contentious matters. With offices in Hong Kong, Dubai, Brussels, and Australia, the practice benefits from a robust international presence. The team is headed up by the ‘approachable and responsive’ Anthony Woolich, who is recommended for his focus on merger control and antitrust matters. Possessing considerable experience in various areas of EU law, Daniel Martin is an expert on international sanctions regimes and trade law.

With a diverse portfolio of multinational blue-chip clients on its books, the ‘technically excellent’ competition group at Jones Day is adept in managing merger clearances, antitrust investigations, and competition litigation across a wide range of sectors. The practice is steered by Mark Jones, whose sector coverage spans financial services, technology, pharma, energy, infrastructure, media and entertainment. Jason Beer is recommended for his wealth of experience advising on UK, EU, and international competition law, focusing specifically on complex, multijurisdictional merger control matters. Other notable individuals include Sarah Batley and Nicholas Cotter.

Well-regarded for its ability to provide ‘pragmatic advice tailored for the commercial situation’, the team at K&L Gates LLP possesses wide-ranging capabilities in transactional and behavioural competition matters, with a particular emphasis on the vertical space. Practice head Jennifer Marsh draws considerable praise from clients for her ‘measured and appropriate’ advice. Marsh handles all aspects of competition law and is routinely engaged by a diverse portfolio of consumer goods heavyweights. Michal Kocon, a dual-qualified special counsel, assists on issues regarding cartels, horizontal and vertical agreements, merger clearance and competition litigation. Gabriela Da Costa is noted for her proficiency in EU and UK vertical competition law, advising major global consumer brands across the fashion, luxury, electronics, and sports sectors.

The competition group at Mayer Brown International LLP, supported by the firm’s extensive disputes practice, is lauded by clients for its ‘knowledgeable team’ and ‘wide variety of experience.’ With its vast global network, the team is equipped to handle a variety of cross-border competition issues for its clients. Joining the team from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is Daniel Vowden, who now leads the team following the retirement of David M. Harrison. Vowden is noted for his focus on advising international clients on the full spectrum of EU and UK competition law matters. Airlie Goodman is recommended for her litigation capabilities.

Offering a competition service that is well-placed to assist on multi-billion dollar, cross-border deals, Sidley Austin LLP leverages its integrated European offering to provide strategic guidance in cartel investigations and market studies. The team is led by the Brussels-based Ken Daly. Patrick Harrison, a dual-qualified (English and Belgian) practitioner, maintains a busy practice, advising on UK and EU matters, while Vincent Brophy has recently been involved in major transactions within the insurance and employment sectors.

Described as ‘incredibly efficient and exceptionally commercial’, the competition team at Stephenson Harwood possesses the capabilities to assist on the full scope of transactional, behavioural and advisory matters. The team is led by the ‘tenacious and committed’ Marta Isabel Garcia, who regularly advises clients on global multijurisdictional merger control, cartel and behavioural investigations. Bryony Roy remains active on cartel investigations, merger control and vertical agreements.

Steered by ‘stellar strategic thinker’ Peter Crowther, the competition group at Winston & Strawn LLP is frequently engaged by clients hailing from the worlds of technology, life sciences, manufacturing, insurance, and telecoms on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Crowther, who advises companies in cartel and merger proceedings, is supported by Freya MacCormack.

Fielding a ‘strong, experienced team’, praised for its ‘depth of knowledge and experience in competition law’, Cooley (UK) LLP is well-positioned to advise clients on various matters, including merger control, commercial agreements, abuse of dominance, and agency investigations. The practice is particularly renowned for its work in the tech and life sciences sectors, solidifying its reputation as a go-to firm for industry giants. Leading the team is Caroline Hobson , who is lauded for her ability to provide ‘on point, practical and insightful advice.’ The ‘very knowledgeable’ Alexander Israel is renowned for his expertise regarding regulatory issues European competition law.

Well-regarded for being at ‘the cutting edge of new developments’, the competition group at Mishcon de Reya LLP is well-versed in cross-jurisdictional merger control filings and investigations, with a specific focus on the online markets and emerging technologies sectors. Practice head Sarah Houghton is lauded for her ‘great judgment and strategic vision.’ She is supported by ‘seasoned pro’ Ben Lasserson, and of counsel Gwen Ballin-Reeler, who has extensive competition litigation experience.

A litany of blue-chip corporate clients turn to the competition group at Shoosmiths LLP for its ability to provide assistance on day-to-day and strategic competition law issues. Standing out for its expertise in the automotive sector, the team is routinely engaged by household names, including major automative manufacturers. The team is led by the ‘very responsive’ Simon Barnes, who has a considerable presence as an adviser to the automotive sector.

The Guilford-based competition practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP routinely assists clients on a range of competition matters, ranging from merger control and competition law investigations to state aid law. Active across the retail, technology and life sciences sectors, the also excels in litigation matters. ‘Trustworthy adviser’ Gustaf Duhs spearheads the practice, and is noted for his ability to assist with competition law investigations, merger control matters and state aid issues.

Drawing considerable praise from clients for its ‘clear knowledge’ and ‘thorough’ approach, the team at Taylor Wessing LLP is well-positioned to handle multijurisdictional merger control matters for its roster of blue-chip corporate clients. Practice head Paolo Palmigiano, a dual-qualified (English and Italian) practitioner, is recommended for his expertise in all areas of competition law, including cartels, abuse of dominance, investigations and mergers. He is supported by the ‘very helpful’ Louisa Penny.

Fielding a ‘strong team’, Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s competition practice regularly acts for clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The team possesses particular expertise in the transport sector, providing advice on EU competition law, regulations, international policy and trade rules in the maritime space. The team is led by the ‘very trusted, approachable and knowledgeable’ Solange Leandro, who advises a broad range of aviation, maritime and energy clients on EU and UK competition and regulatory issues.