Top 10 Prominent UK Competition Law Lawyers Dominating 2023: A Review

Competition Law, also known as Antitrust Law in the United States, plays an essential role in ensuring fair competition in an open-market economy. It combats illegal practices such as cartels, market sharing, bid-rigging and monopolies. In the United Kingdom, competition law has a rich history and has aided in shaping the business landscape. This article features some of the UK’s most compelling Competition Law practitioners who have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in this field and have made significant contributions within the sector.

They have defended major corporations, participated in high-stakes litigation, and provided expert advice in numerous competition disputes and investigations. Furthermore, they have been instrumental in the drafting and enforcement of regulations aimed at promoting a level playing field and prohibiting anti-competitive conduct in the market.

From those focused on EC cartel decisions, state aid, merger clearances, behavioural investigations to those involved in complex, multi-jurisdictional merger filings, let’s get to know more about these exceptional lawyers and their contributions in the field of Competition Law.

Maya Lester KC

Based at Brick Court Chambers, Maya Lester KC defends financial services clients looking to overturn EC cartel decisions. She deals with procedural issues related to the disclosure of findings from investigations. Lester’s clients are largely within the energy and technology industries.

Maurits Dolmans

Partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Maurits Dolmans specialises in cross-border merger clearance procedures. He assists major clients in the media and technology sectors.

Oliver Bretz

Oliver Bretz, founding partner at Euclid Law, has carved out an impressive practice, which includes advising on market studies, allegations of abuse of dominance, and merger clearance procedures.

Ciara Kennedy-Loest

Ciara Kennedy-Loest leads the procurement team at Hogan Lovells. She is a renowned authority on state aid and routinely litigates high-value cases before UK and EU courts.

Satyen Dhana

Working for Simmons & Simmons LLP, Satyen Dhana guides clients through numerous merger clearance procedures. He also helps with appeals against CMA decisions and competition disputes.

André Pretorius

André Pretorius, who practises at Herbert Smith Freehills, aids clients with merger investigations at both domestic and European levels. He also assists with behavioural investigations by other regulatory authorities.

Keith Jones

Keith Jones co-leads Baker McKenzie’s London competition group. He concentrates on advising clients on international merger clearance procedures and market investigations.

Brian Sher

As head of the competition and trade team at CMS, Brian Sher aids clients with merger clearance procedures and behavioural investigations. He also guides them in damages claims and appeals against regulators’ decisions, along with enforcement investigations.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans of DLA Piper LLP handles an array of competition matters, lending his expertise to major merger control procedures and market investigations.

Alasdair Balfour

Alasdair Balfour, a member of Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, offers counsel on multi-jurisdictional merger filings in varying sectors, such as financial services and retail. He also assists interested parties in CMA investigations into transactions.