Hausfeld & Co LLP fields a robust competition litigation offering which is capable of taking on some of the world’s largest companies in CAT collective actions. A serious advocate firm for claimants, the team regularly pursues actions across Europe, particularly in the financial, pharma, tech, and automotive sectors. Anthony Maton is renowned for his role in growing the use of private enforcement actions. Highly experienced in the coordination of cross-border claims, practice head Scott Campbell advises on some of the firm’s key cartel damages cases. Nicola Boyle regularly secures out-of-court settlements for her clients, including in large-scale litigations with multiple parties. Lesley Hannah is active in the tech sphere, bringing numerous abuse of dominance claims in this sector. Tom Bolster strengthens the practice with his deep understanding of the automotive industry, while Luke Streatfeild brings key defence experience to the practice. Other key figures include Lucy Rigby, who is noted for her collective redress expertise, including her success with CAT opt-out claims. Joanna Christoforou joined the firm from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP in June 2024.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP sits at the centre of the bourgeoning area of competition class actions. Regarded by one client as 'one of the best competition firms in the UK', the team handles every statge of the claim lifecycle, from application through to follow-on damages or case mergers. In recent months, the firm has been entrusted by multiple blue-chip clients to defend collective claims in the CAT. As well as regularly defending private actions, the team has notable experience challenging the antitrust and merger decisions of the competition authorities. Stephen Wisking currently acts as a solicitor advocate in a number of high-profile competition disputes. Kim Dietzel is noted for her numerous precedent-setting victories in follow-on and stand-alone damages cases. Rachel Lidgate's capabilities span litigation, arbitration, expert determination, and mediation. Gregg Rowan specialises in complex commercial disputes within the aviation and energy sectors. Joe Williams‘ broad experience includes the full extent of UK and EU competition law.

Experienced in both defendant and claimant enforcement actions, Slaughter and May routinely handles multi-billion dollar damages claims in the CAT and High Court, as well as a number of high-profile appeals. Major follow-on damages actions and complex cross-border litigations are both key workflows for the team's 'consummate experts'. Camilla Sanger leads on some of the most significant class action and competition proceedings in the United Kingdom. Practice head Richard Swallow has over 25 years of experience in large-scale cross-border competition litigation and group actions. In addition to appearing before the High Court and the CAT, Tim Blanchard assists his clients with global cartel investigations. In recent months, Elizabeth Jordan has advised clients from various industries on collective actions, including opt-out actions, abuse of dominance, and cartel damages. Holly Ware undertakes competition litigation for major corporate entities and financial institutions.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s real experience of taking difficult cases to trial’ has enabled its recent activity on landmark cartel cases. A distinguishing factor of the practice is its capability in both claimant and defence-side mandates, advising on cases which span the utilities, technology, and financial sectors. Edward Coulson  is a solicitor advocate skilled in multi-party litigations. Andrew Hockley’s broad practice encompasses cartel, abuse of dominance, and distribution matters. Andrew Leitch  represents claimants and defendants in significant High Court, CAT, and Court of Appeal cases. India Fahy is central to many of the firm’s high-profile competition cases. Other key figures include Ben Bolderson, who has had significant exposure to collective actions and complex litigation strategies.

Known for defending and prosecuting high-profile abuse of dominance claims, Clifford Chance LLP houses a strong and well-established bench of competition litigators. 'Deeply experienced, and hugely productive', the team also regularly secures appeals opposing CMA decisions. Samantha Ward is a leading commercial litigator who focuses on competition litigation, cartel investigations, and administrative law. Luke Tolaini is noted for his experience with excessive pricing investigations in the pharmaceutical sector. Matthew Scully aids clients with enforcement issues, follow-on and stand-alone competition damages claims, and petitions for injunctive relief. Ben Jasper's efforts are central to some of the firm’s key appeals to CMA decisions. Elizabeth Morony retired from the practice in November 2023.

 

Capable of advising across numerous sectors, Linklaters LLP is ‘one of the premier’ defence advocates for clients engaged in competition litigation and class action proceedings. Team head Tom Cassels frequently advises on the team’s complex, funded collection actions, as well as other high-profile contentious competition work. Leading some of the firm’s most critical cartel matters, Harriet Ellis is a skilled litigator who has received notworthy defence instructions from telecoms clients. Other key figures include the ‘dynamic’ and ‘proactive‘ Sarina Williams, well versed in complex litigation concerning the financial services sector; James Hennah, whose practice incorporates collective actions, abuse of dominance claims, and cartel disputes; and Alex Fawke, noted for his strength in CMA penalty appeals and subsidy control matters.

Respected for its activity in the financial, media, pharmaceutical, sports, and automotive sectors, Macfarlanes LLP's robust focus ranges from standalone disputes to CMA appeals and class actions. Major EU disputes and CMA appeals in the pharmaceutical sector are both mainstays of Cameron Firth‘s busy practice. Praised for her 'impeccable' judgement, Emma Radcliffe advises on dawn raids, investigations, damages litigations, and day-to-day competition compliance. Malcolm Walton is noted for his intellectual property expertise and recent activity in CAT matters concerning stand-alone sports betting disputes. Simon Day's focus centres on group actions and individual competition damages claims. Other key figures include Caja Griesenbach, Alex Evans, and Jenny Reeves, all of whom advise on some of the firm’s most significant cases.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s breadth is evidenced by its significant caseload and industry coverage, including in the burgeoning field of collective actions. High Court litigation, arbitrations, and CMA investigations are hallmarks of Peter Scott‘s broad practice. Susanna Rogers is a recognised authority on price control appeals, frequently being called upon to assist regulated utilities in such matters. Particularly active in the tech sector, Caroline Thomas advises on the firm’s key CAT class actions. Helen Fairhead, who has Higher Rights of Audience, advocates for both claimants and defendants in high-profile competition litigation. Nuala Canavan has a keen understanding of competition regulation and the workings of the CMA.

Boasting extensive experience taking competition damages cases to trial at every level of the UK judicial system, litigation boutique Stewarts Law LLP is often called upon by international corporations to lead on complex, high-value claims. A key contact for global corporates, Kate Pollock manages a steady stream of litigation relating to cartel behaviour and abuse of dominance. Inge Forster’s deep understanding of competition law and litigation strategy makes her well placed to advise on complex disputes. Stuart Carson combines competition expertise with specialist knowledge of complex funding structures, while Matthew Tighe continues to play a key role in the firm’s long-running interchange fee litigation. Other key figures include Leah Keen, who is well placed to advise on multi-party claims arising from competition infringements, and Kirsty Bourke, who has experience in the High Court, CAT, and Supreme Court.

In recent months, Travers Smith LLP has undertaken a significant volume of high-profile competition damages litigation, advising clients across the financial services, automotive, technology, and shipping industries, among others. Caroline Edwards has extensive experience litigating multijurisdictional cases in the CAT and the appeal courts. 'Sharp, straight to the point, and very responsive', Nigel Seay is noted for his EU and UK merger control and antitrust investigations expertise. Stephen Whitfield maintains a diverse practice working with clients from a litany of industries, while Huw Jenkin notably advises on a number of individual and collective claims, including contested certification applications. Both Barney Stannard and Joseph Moore are capable of assisting with challenging class action cases, while Ingrid Hodgskiss‘ competition damages focus is strengthened by her previous experience at the CMA.

Distinguished by its ability to represent both claimant and defendants embroiled in the collective action regime, Addleshaw Goddard continues to litigate high-profile disputes, appeals, and class actions in the High Court and the CAT. Chaired by Mark Molyneux, the group has amassed considerable experience in follow-on damages claims arising out of cartel behavior and standalone anticompetitive practices. Rona-Bar Isaac brings sectoral knowledge of the retail, consumer, water, healthcare, and gambling industries. Paul Chaplin‘s deep understanding of competition law allows him to lead cross-border and multi-party litigation across a variety of sectors.

A&O Shearman’s antitrust practice routinely oversees high-value and complex cases and investigations before UK and EU authorities. The group is active on follow-on and standalone claims with either individual or collective claimants. An experienced litigator, Russell Butland covers the full spectrum of private UK and EU competition claims. Noted for his strong track record in the banking and finance sectors, Arnondo Chakrabarti supports clients with group and competition damages litigation. Other key figures include Dominic Long, who focuses on cartel investigations before EU and UK competition authorities, and Kristina Nordlander, who manages a busy caseload in the ECJ and European Commission.

Beyond its capability in private damages litigation in UK and EU courts, Ashurst is increasingly visible in class action litigation, advising both defendants and claimants. The group is particularly renowned for its work on high-profile cases concerning EU Article 101 and wider cartel behaviour. Euan Burrows leads on numerous high-profile contentious and non-contentious competition matters. In recent months, Anna Morfey has advised extensively on CAT collective actions and follow-on damages claims relating to CMA decisions. Nigel Parr is a recognised leader in the UK competition competition space.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s competition litigators have experience advocating in standalone and follow-on litigation in the CAT, High Court, and Court of Appeal, as well as before EU courts. Paul Stuart is highly regarded for his work on landmark domestic and European cases. James Norris-Jones regularly presides over class actions, and has recently acted in litigation within the financial and digital sectors, while Jonathan Kelly routinely receives instructions concerning follow-on damages claims from individual and corporate clients.

Regarded as a 'formidable team with real strength and depth', Hogan Lovells International LLP is noted for its capabilities in follow-on and standalone damages claims, as well as collective actions. Working between London and Dublin, practice head Christopher Hutton regularly advises on high-profile contentious competition matters, repsenting clients before domestic and European antitrust authorities. Fellow practice co-chair Nicholas Heaton works with clients in cartel damages, abuse of dominance, and class action claims, while Suyong Kim's capabilities range from the investigatory stages through to appeals and damages litigation before EU and national courts. Other key figures include Angus Coulter, who is noted for his telecom expertise.

Praised for its 'excellent all-round advice and representation', Latham & Watkins is reputed for its focus on CMA regulatory decisions before the CAT and Court of Appeal. Martin Davies‘ practice capabilities span the full range of complex competition litigation matters. Drawing superlative praise from clients, Simon Pritchard - who joined the firm from Linklaters LLP in September 2023 -  boasts more than 25 years of experience handling disputed agency decisions and merger litigation. Beyond his capabilities in in traditional antitrust matters, David Little is noted for his specialist knowledge of the interface between competition and ESG, data privacy, and consumer protection law.

Mishcon de Reya LLP is a leading advocate for large corporate claimants embroiled in challenging competition litigation. The team’s claimant-side focus has facilitated a key role in the burgeoning areas of collective actions and abuse of dominance claims. Sarah Houghton regularly secures results for her clients at trial and through the settling of high-value disputes for large corporations. Ben Lasserson advises extensively on competition matters in the digital tech space, including substantial abuse of dominance claims. Zachery O’Brien advises a range of prominent retailers concerning claims against the European truck cartels.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP is highly regarded for its competition litigation prowess across the life sciences, retail, technology, and private equity sectors. The team is regularly entrusted to provide critical defences to antitrust investigations and dawn raids. Practice head Frances Murphy is responsible for major victories in pharmaceutical investigations and cases concerning abuse of dominance and pay for delay disputes. Complex abuse of dominance investigations and high-stakes merger disputes are both regular facets of Omar Shah‘s practice. Leonidas Theodosiou is qualified to practice US, UK, and EU antitrust law, bolstering the team’s cross-border capabilities. Joanna Christoforou  left the firm in May 2024.

Pinsent Masons LLP is regularly instructed in proceedings before the CAT, demonstrating particular expertise in subsidy control litigation. In recent months, the team has had multiple noteworthy successes in follow-on damages claims in the life science, financial, and automotive sectors. Alan Davis is presently acting on a number of significant follow-on damages claims impacting the automotive industry. Robert Vidal is noted for his track record in proceedings concerning the sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. Other key figures include Angelique Bret, who frequently appeals infringement decisions before the CAT, and Totis Kotsonis, who assumes a central role in the team’s state aid and subsidy control matters.

From standalone and follow-on actions to cartel investigations, abuse of dominance proceedings, and collective actions, Simmons & Simmons is praised for its ‘user-friendly, pragmatic and commercial‘ offering. The group acts for defendants as well as claimants, and is often assisted by an in-house litigation funding team. Patrick Boylan is trusted by clients in the energy, life sciences, TMT, and financial sectors. Other key figures include Eleanore Di Claudio, who plays a key role in the firm’s class action proceedings.

Maintaining relationships with a number of key corporate clients, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP is well respected for its representation of claimants and defendants across all manner of competition litigation. ‘A top-rate team that runs on full steam‘, the group is a key destination for clients engaged in both collective actions and cartel cases. ‘Hugely experienced in competition litigation, very sharp strategically and a fine lawyer‘, Boris Bronfentrinker is noted for his capabilities in novel areas of competition law. Follow-on litigation, regulatory challenges, and cartel investigations are all mainstays of Elaine Whiteford‘s broad competition practice. Michelle Clark has niche experience concerning the increasing links between data protection and competition law.

A host of clients turn to Arnold & Porter for its disputes prowess and keen regulatory understanding. The team, which advises on a number of multijurisdictional European proceedings regarding the trucks cartel, is also noteworthy for its ability to manage confidential arbitrations concerning anticompetitive behaviour. Jane Wessel has a strong track record in competition damages litigation, acting for large corporate claimants and defendants. John Schmidt's track record encompasses multi-million pound damages awards and injunctive relief orders.

Bristows LLP‘s  work at the intersection of competition and intellectual property law has attracted many clients from the technology and life sciences sectors. The team is made up of experienced litigators who regularly tackle pure competition claims and specialist disputes. Sophie Lawrance is a recognised authority on disputes pertaining to the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, advising a number of high-profile clients in these spheres. Stephen Smith‘s broad practice encompasses the full range of transactional and contentious competition law.

CMS is home to a ‘first-rate’ competition team which handles ‘major contentious and non contentious matters.’ Its broad geographic coverage is evidenced by its ability to defend pan-European follow-on damages litigation. Kenny Henderson is a capable competition litigator who routinely represents clients in highly regulated sectors, such as the pharmaceutical and technology industries. Brian Sher regularly leads or co-leads on abuse of dominance matters, while Neil Baylis supports clients through key strategic appeals to CMA decisions in the CAT and the Court of Appeal.

DLA Piper is regularly entrusted by high-profile corporations to lead their challenging standalone or follow-on competition disputes. CMA or European investigations, competition litigation, merger control and compliance matters are all routine facets of the firm's active practice. The pharmaceutical and sporting sectors are a particular areas of strength for the group. Sarah Smith is capable across EU and UK competition law as well as in relevant regulatory matters. Matt Evans and Sam Szlezinger both regularly support their clients before the European Commission and the CMA. Alexandra Kamerling frequently acts for listed and private companies, venture capitalists, and trade associations.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher regularly appear before the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the CAT. Latterly, the team has engaged in high-profile mandates in the technology, sport, and consumer sectors, including far-reaching class actions. Patrick Doris is especially well versed in white collar investigations, competition litigation, and class action litigation. Ali Nikpay's extensive EU and UK merger control and antitrust experience attracts a number of blue-chip corporate clients, while Doug Watson is noted for his capabilities across both commercial litigation and international arbitration.

Milbank is noted for its high levels of activity in the financial services sector, where the team is leading on a number of complex competition law disputes and investigations. The firm’s trial experience ranges from appeals in the Supreme Court to class action litigation. Julian Stait is noted for his continued role in high-profile interchange fee and LIBOR manipulation litigation. Clients regularly call upon Andrea Hamilton to appeal CMA and European Commission decisions, while Emma Hogwood is adept in matters involving concerning evidential and procedural requirements.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP regularly acts for both defendants and claimants in high-stakes standalone and follow-on competition claims. The firm’s client list includes key names from the financial services, retail, technology, and IP sectors. Kate Vernon boasts considerable experience in EU and UK competition litigation and regulatory investigations.

RPC is equipped to advise on collective proceedings involving consumer classes and IP and technology disputes. The team provides effective representation to both claimants and defendants and is a key adviser to well established tech companies. Solicitor Advocate Chris Ross is skilled in the strategy of both claimant and defendant competition litigation. Melanie Musgrave oversees a number of competition investigations and advises on competition damages claims. Leonia Chesterfield undertakes competition litigation at every level of the UK judicial system.

Praised for its 'huge depth of experience', White & Case LLP continues to provide key defence-side counsel to clients engaged in follow-on competition damages claims. Charles Balmain has intervened in numerous regulatory investigations and high-value competition damages claims. Raif Hassan regularly appears on behalf of clients in the CAT, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal. Marc Israel is active in the firm’s key ongoing class action litigation and private damages cases.