Competition Law

Herbert Smith Freehills is well regarded for its ability to handle contentious competition law matters, often acting for the defendants on high-profile damages claims, including class actions. In addition to its strength in competition litigation, the law firm also advises clients on all competition law aspects of corporate transactions, assisting with merger clearance investigations, foreign direct investment filings and notifications under the National Security and Investment Act. The team further represents clients in investigations into possible anti-competitive behaviour carried out by the CMA and other authorities. It benefits from longstanding relationships with clients in the technology and transportation sectors.

"The HSF team handled our complex competition litigation very effectively, managing multiple workstreams whilst also ensuring that they delivered strategic insights."

"The team is very pragmatic in its approach."

"The firm has a deep understanding of our company and the issues involved."

"We receive practical, straightforward advice in a complex area."

Herbert Smith Freehills represented Meta in an application for a Collective Proceedings Order brought before the CAT.

Kim Dietzel is highly regarded for her work on high-profile follow-on damages actions and collective proceedings, often acting on behalf of the defendant. She also has experience representing clients in investigations carried out by the CMA and other regulators. "Kim is an exceptional person to have on your team. She drives forward a case effectively, always able to 'see the wood for the trees' despite being on top of the details of the most complex cases." "I always value her opinions and her ability to look at case management from a client's perspective." "Kim Dietzel has a brilliantly sharp mind, is a pleasure to deal with and constantly amazes me with her insight and holistic approach." "She is incredibly intelligent and has a really high level of knowledge of the detail, which is so helpful for us with hundreds of cases."

Stephen Wisking stands out for his work defending clients in high-profile collective proceedings and follow-on damages claims. He is a popular choice with clients from the technology, transport and financial services sectors. "He's very clever, very measured and exceptionally effective." "He is regarded as one of the best, part of that is he is unflappable and he thinks in terms of a long strategy." "Stephen is a real pleasure to work with. He has a clear, straightforward approach with great strategic insights, combined with an ability to get on top of the details of the most complex case." "He's a pre-eminent expert in the space."

André Pretorius acts for clients on the competition law aspects of transactions, assisting with obtaining merger clearance and approval under the NSIA. He also assists clients with CMA and EC investigations into alleged breaches of competition law. "I found him quite business-minded and good to get on with."

Veronica Roberts enters the rankings this year on the back of her experience advising clients on merger clearance filings, including representing them in phase II CMA investigations. She has further experience in FDI and National Security and Investment Act notifications. She also assists clients with competition compliance matters. "Veronica provided unstinting support in relation to a complex regulatory approvals process." "Veronica is straightforward and I am confident in the advice she provides."