Top 10 Pioneering Competition Law Lawyers Across the Regions in 2023

Each of these lawyers brings a unique perspective and skill set to their practice, showing the breadth and depth of expertise in the field. The list includes heads of competition teams, state aid specialists, experts in merger control, and regulatory investigators among others. Their varied experience highlights the multifaceted nature of competition law and the dynamic roles these lawyers play in its interpretation and enforcement.

Providing advisory services to a range of sectors – including food, automotive, pharmaceuticals, insurance, life sciences, energy technology, and more – these lawyers contribute significantly to the framework of competition in the business landscape. Here are some of the standout Competition Law lawyers in the regions:

Kate Newman of Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP

Kate Newman is the head of the competition team at Mills & Reeve. Based in Leeds, she offers invaluable advice on investigations and Phase 1 and 2 merger control procedures at the CMA, largely to clients in the food sector.

Jonathan Branton of DWF

DWF

Jonathan Branton helms the competition department at DWF and splits his time between offices, including Manchester. Known for his vast knowledge of state aid, his services span across a vast range of matters, including litigation alleging anti-competitive behavior and merger control filings to the CMA.

Alexander Rose of DWF

DWF

Alexander Rose, based in Newcastle, provides guidance on compliance with state aid rules particularly for public funding projects. He routinely works with both grant awarding organizations and recipients.

Nicola Holmes of Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland

From Leeds, Nicola Holmes handles a range of competition law matters, particularly those concerning merger control. Clients also seek her professional guidance on commercial and compliance issues.

Matthew R Woodford of Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP

Based in Birmingham, Matthew Woodford leads the competition team at Browne Jacobson. He has deep experience with a variety of matters, including merger control, regulator investigations on potential competition breaches, and behavioral compliance. His services are particularly appreciated in the automotive industry.

Simon Barnes of Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP

Simon Barnes heads the competition team at Shoosmiths from Reading. He consults on varied matters including, but not limited to, merger control, compliance and CMA market investigations. His client base spans across numerous sectors such as pharmaceuticals, insurance, and automotive.

Marc Shrimpling of Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP

Working from Bristol, Marc Shrimpling offers advice on diverse competition law matters and has profound knowledge on state aid-related issues. He also gives advice to domestic and international clients on pricing and distribution arrangements.

Giles Warrington of Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP

Giles Warrington heads the competition team at Pinsent Masons from Birmingham. He is an expert in merger clearance procedures before the CMA and the European Commission and is also sought for his knowledge of the National Security and Investments Act 2021 concerning transactions in the life sciences, energy, and technology sectors.

Trudy Feaster-Gee of Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP

Trudy Feaster-Gee is a partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP. Her focus is on advising domestic and international clients on follow-on damages claims.

Chris Worrall of Burges Salmon LLP

Burges Salmon LLP

Chris Worrall leads the competition law scope at Burges Salmon from Bristol. He has deep experience in sectors that have been a recent focus of the CMA, including construction, retail, and healthcare. He guides on a multitude of competition law matters, including merger control, CMA investigations, and market studies.