Competition Law

Blackstone barristers act across an impressive range of competition matters. Benefiting from a strong background in public law, the set is a superb choice for applications for judicial review of the CMA and other UK regulators' decisions. Members act in leading cases in the technology and financial services sectors, including litigation relating to standard-essential patents, alleged market manipulation and abuse of dominance. They have been instructed in the largest follow-on damages actions in both UK and EU courts, including those concerning forex and interchange fees. They also feature prominently in novel collective action cases.

"The clerks are quick to respond, upfront and clear about issues, and very easy to deal with."

"The clerks at Blackstone are always responsive and willing to help out with managing the barristers' diaries. Billy Brian in particular is somebody who always goes the extra mile to maintain excellent relations in times of need."

"The clerks are brilliant, and we have a great relationship with them."

"The clerks are very responsive and are sensible with pricing which makes them very good to deal with. They also ensure  counsel's diaries are effectively managed."

Brian Kennelly KC
Brian Kennelly KC has a superb reputation for his skill in handling competition damages actions. He has experience on both the defendant and claimant side of several of the most important cartel damages cases ongoing in the UK courts, and further earns praise for his advice on a wider range of regulatory or public law cases. Kennelly advises a diverse array of clients including those from the financial services and automotive sectors. "Brian is absolutely one of the best at the competition Bar, and I use him wherever I can. He is incredibly smart, very commercial, and combines those attributes well with a natural charm which clients and judges consistently warm to." "Brian is a supremely accomplished advocate, has an easy manner with the court, and a full grasp of his brief. He is also very approachable, happy to answer questions, and has an excellent knowledge of all aspects of competition law." "He always stays calm and takes a sensible approach. He is highly intelligent and has the good ability to read the room." "Brian is an excellent strategic thinker and was a real pleasure to work with. He is accessible, good-humoured and committed to client service." "He is a real class act, who is extremely clever, very hard-working and focused on understanding what the client wants."

Kieron Beal KC
Kieron Beal KC is well known for his work on state aid and subsidy control matters, acting for challengers, recipients and interested parties. He also has notable experience in behavioural litigation, advising claimants and defendants on damages claims. "He is user-friendly and commercial." "Kieron is extremely strong on competition law, very responsive, and easy to work with." "Kieron Beal is always a very effective advocate."

Emily Neill
Emily Neill regularly defends regulatory authorities in challenges to decisions. She also has notable experience acting on both the claimant and defendant side of competition damages claims. "Emily is the perfect combination of calm, effective advocacy before the senior bench whilst instilling confidence in a client with her ability and advice that commands." "She is calm under pressure and very quick to spot key issues." "Emily is very personable, and is quick to grasp the issues. She knows her stuff and we think well of her."

Hanif Mussa KC
Hanif Mussa KC is instructed in a range of commercial damages and regulatory cases. He acts for the EC and for Ofcom in the defence of regulatory appeals brought to the CJEU, the CAT or the Court of Appeal, and further acts for private sector appellants. "Hanif is very considered and he's a team player, who is open minded when it comes to input from solicitors and clients alike."

James Segan KC
James Segan KC assists clients from the telecommunications and sporting industries with competition law issues, often involving allegations of abuse of dominance. He is also active in the interface between competition law and IP law, handling cases concerning the FRAND licensing of standard-essential patents. "I can't sing James's praises highly enough. He is very bright, user-friendly, commercial and gets straight to the point." "James is a clever and knowledgeable advocate who is building a strong practice in the field of FRAND cases."

Jason Pobjoy
Jason Pobjoy has a broad competition law practice and is praised for his expert handling of private cartel damages claims, frequently advising the defendants. He also assists clients with CMA investigations. Pobjoy has played a key role in the defence of cartel damages claims on behalf of truck manufacturers and financial services sector companies. "Jason is very impressive, providing insightful and timely advice on issues and readily drawing on his historic knowledge of the matter to great effect." "In addition to technical excellence, Jason has a lot of common sense and interpersonal skills, and is a strong, proper strategist." "He distils very complex things down to easily digestible concepts, providing clarity in a concise way."

Jessica Boyd KC
Jessica Boyd KC has experience on both the regulator and appellant side of competition law-based reviews of Ofcom decisions. She also stands out for her work on CJEU appeals of cartel decisions made by the EC. "She is an outstanding public lawyer and understands the regulatory regimes well."

Paul Luckhurst
Paul Luckhurst has demonstrated impressive strength in competition litigation in the financial services sector. He has notable experience acting on both sides of collective action cases and follow-on damages claims. "He is fiercely clever, very accessible and a real pleasure to work with." "Paul's in-depth competition law expertise enables him to deliver sophisticated and balanced advice, as well as impacting advocacy." "Paul balances excellent attention to detail, with concise and clear-minded advice." "He is commercial, pragmatic and always a pleasure to work with."

Thomas de la Mare KC
Thomas de la Mare KC is viewed as a strong choice for collective proceedings orders. He also represents clients in competition infringement investigations, including possible breaches of undertakings in merger control filings. "Tom is great to work with, providing strong strategic guidance and excellent written and oral advice." "I have seen Tom on his feet, and he is very persuasive and good at cutting through to the essence and explaining things in an understandable way."

Isabel Buchanan
Isabel Buchanan has amassed a notable body of experience in competition law, particularly through her involvement in the Interchange Fees litigation. "Isabel is responsive and a pleasure to work with. She provides clear advice and is very user friendly."

Tristan Jones
Tristan Jones has advised on the claimant side of key cases that test UK law on the certification of collective proceedings and has amassed additional experience representing plaintiffs in follow-on claims, as well as acting for the CMA on appeals against its decisions. "Tristan is an excellent barrister, keeping an acute eye to the details, whilst being able to deliver concise but precise advice." "Tristan's advice on complex issues of competition law is clear, innovative and balanced." "Tristan is an excellent all-rounder. He gets to the heart of the matter, gives clear advice, is excellent on his feet, has a good rapport with judges and can read the room very well. He is a first choice as I can trust him with all details of drafting and speaking to clients."