Competition Law
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 4
Contact number
(020) 3400 1000Chambers Review
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has a notable contentious competition law practice, offering notable experience in stand-alone and follow-on damages actions, representing both the defendants and claimants in high-profile cases. The law firm also acts for clients in investigations into possible breaches of competition law conducted by UK regulators. In addition, the team assists with FDI filings and merger control notifications.
Work Highlights
- Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner defended Morgan Stanley in a stand-alone damages action in the High Court brought by 175 institutional investors, led by Allianz, in relation to alleged participation in a foreign exchange cartel.
- Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner's private enforcement team advised the Dawsongroup as claimants in a damages action against participants in the Trucks cartel.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I have a hugely positive impression of BCLP. The team is very hard-working, bright, proactive and strategically very skilful."
"The team is always responsive and accommodating."
"My experience with BCLP has consistently been that it is very hard-working and has a strong capacity to take on major instructions. A lot of the time, it punches very much above its weight."
"BCLP has a talented group of lawyers who always see the bigger commercial picture and deliver great client service."
"The team has a clear understanding of legal issues and is easy and pleasant to work with. It is clearly very experienced in handling complex litigation and knows what is required."
"I have a hugely positive impression of BCLP. The team is very hard-working, bright, proactive and strategically very skilful."
"The team is always responsive and accommodating."
"My experience with BCLP has consistently been that it is very hard-working and has a strong capacity to take on major instructions. A lot of the time, it punches very much above its weight."
"BCLP has a talented group of lawyers who always see the bigger commercial picture and deliver great client service."
"The team has a clear understanding of legal issues and is easy and pleasant to work with. It is clearly very experienced in handling complex litigation and knows what is required."
Notable Practitioners
Edward Coulson possesses a noteworthy reputation for acting on behalf of plaintiffs in damages claims arising from cartel activities and defending clients in damages actions before the UK High Court. He also has particular experience on the defence side of stand-alone actions.
"What Edward Coulson has been absolutely sensational at is really putting this case into layman's terms so we as a business can make informed business decisions that relate to the case."
"He understands the strategy, has a forensic eye for detail and provides an unbelievable depth of understanding which sets him apart."
"I was impressed by his strategic nous and courage as a litigator. He knew which button to press to get the best result for the client, had a steely resolve and held firm in difficult moments."
"Edward Coulson is approachable, knowledgeable, calm and measured. He is an excellent partner to work with."
"Edward Coulson is a fantastic and experienced competition litigator who really knows his stuff."
Andrew Hockley advises clients on merger control filings and foreign direct investment notifications. In addition, he acts for clients in behavioural investigations carried out by a variety of regulators. He also assists clients with matters involving potential abuses of dominance.
"The risk is unfolding in real time so he is diligent in keeping us abreast of this. He is practical, commercial, effective and always a phone's call away."
"Andrew Hockley is a brilliant lawyer who is wonderful to work with."
"Andrew Hockley is very good at distilling things down into practical and digestible advice."
"Andrew Hockley has broad experience, a calm head and is commercially minded. He is a really good person to pick up the phone with and can think of broader issues."