DWF‘s commercial and competition group has a particularly strong market reputation for its expertise in subsidy control, and is consequently sought out by a wide range of high-profile clients from both the public and private sector, including Nissan, the Arts Council and an array of successful applicants in the Levelling Up Fund Round 2. Practice head Jonathan Branton is equipped to assist with issues such as merger control, cartels, and state aid.

Walker Morris LLP's competition team is led by Sarah Ward , who clients describe as a ‘fantastic lawyer, with a calm and efficient approach to handling complex cases’. Ward leads a team that wins plaudits for its ability to handle mandates including competition law investigations, competition litigation and cross-border corporate transactions. Gwendoline Davies‘ broad portfolio of work includes advising on cartels and anti-competitive behaviour. Commercial disputes lawyer Nick Lees frequently leverages his contentious expertise to assist with issues such as competition damages cases. Managing data-driven disclosure exercises is a proven practice strength of Jack Gale. Lynsey Oakdene further extends the competition dispute resolution expertise at the firm.

Praised for its ‘excellent and consistent coverage and quality of service across all disciplines’,  Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s competition, EU and trade team is well-placed to advise on matters such as large-scale investigations, merger controls, competition law audits and compliance initiatives. Practice head Charlie Markillie has a proven track record in assisting clients with foreign direct investment (FDI) approvals worldwide. Della Heptinstall handles the coordination and drafting of merger control analysis.

The sports sector expertise at McCormicks is evidenced by the team's frequent work for the Premier League, while the firm’s wider experience was recently showcased in its role acting on behalf of GMI Construction and GMI Construction Holdings in the context of a high-profile investigation launched by the Office of Fair Trading. Football sector expert Peter McCormick and David Birks share leadership duties from the firm’s Harrogate office.

Mills & Reeve LLP, praised for its ‘strong understanding of the competition sphere in the UK, Europe and beyond’, offers a broad range of advisory services encompassing M&A work, including phase 1 and in-depth phase 2 merger inquiries, joint ventures, and abuse of dominance mandates. In Leeds, practice chair Kate Newman is lauded for her ‘strong and effective strategic advice’.