DWF ‘s competition practice is ‘practical, approachable and knowledgeable’, with expertise spanning merger control work, NSIA investigations, and state aid law. Subsidy control is a key strength of the team, and according to clients, the group is ‘the best subsidy control practice in the UK’. Jonathan Branton heads the practice, with particular expertise in anti-dumping and WTO disputes. Alexander Rose and Colin Murray are also key names to note.

The competition practice at Walker Morris LLP provides advice to a host of clients spanning a wide range of sectors, including high-profile clients in the corporate, food, and sports spaces. The firm has a leading competition litigation practice, which works closely with the dispute resolution and real estate practices of the firm. Sarah Ward leads the team, with a practice advising clients on merger control issues, foreign direct investments, and the application of competition law to distribution. Nick Lees has extensive litigation experience, providing advice to large corporates and private equity portfolio companies on intricate matters. The team also grew, with the arrival of Della Heptinstall from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in April 2024, and Liz Turner from the CMA in March 2025.

The Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP competition practice acts for leading PLCs and multinationals, with experience in cartel investigations, market investigations, and merger control work. Elizabeth Marshall leads the team, specialising in procurement law, and frequently advising government departments and regional and local authorities on a wide range of issues. Charlie Markillie is key to the team, working with clients in the financial services, aviation, and food industries.

McCormicks has a wide range of competition experience, acting on high-profile, often novel cases that garner significant media attention. The team works closely with other departments of the firm, particularly the sports department. The firm has an impressive client roster, spanning leading construction companies and football teams. Peter McCormick leads the practice, with extensive experience handling high-profile investigations in front of the competition authorities.

The competition practice at Mills & Reeve LLP is recognised for its extensive experience in merger control, with experience advising on complex compliance matters and trading matters. The team is adept at handling matters across the UK and EU, with vast M&A expertise, as well as knowledge of joint ventures and abuse of dominance matters. Members of the team are skilled at handling matters across the food, life sciences, and healthcare sectors, and the client roster of the team includes leading educational institutions, food and beverage retailers, and entertainment outlets. Leading the team is Kate Newman, who specialises in cross-border merger control and investigations. Simon Elsegood is key to the practice, advising on subsidy control and matters connected to the National Security and Investment Act. Katrina Anderson joined the team from Osborne Clarke LLP in May 2024.