Competition Law
Europe Guide 2024 : UK
Band 1
Contact number
+1 212 903 9000Chambers Review
Linklaters stands out for its experience in major domestic merger control filings that attract considerable objection from competitors and intense scrutiny from the CMA. The team earns further praise for activity in high-profile follow-on damages claims and for the handling of UK-based private enforcement actions, including defending clients in class action proceedings. It works together with colleagues in Brussels and other offices to advise on obtaining clearance for global mergers. The firm additionally assists clients who are subject to behavioural investigations, and advises them on appeals against fines imposed by the CMA. The team also has experience advising on matters under the UK's new subsidy control regime.
Work Highlights
- Linklaters represented BGL Group in an appeal before the CAT against the CMA's decision to fine BGL for its use of most-favoured nation clauses.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"When we had issues with the CMA, Linklaters was the obvious choice."
"If you need all hands to the pump and something will affect your existence, go to Linklaters."
"They are market-leading antitrust lawyers who are fantastic at what they do, and they service us with really good partners who have really got to know our business."
"The team has a very broad range of skills and is able to get a handle on complex and challenging issues very quickly whilst still maintaining accuracy, which is paramount."
"The firm has an unparalleled ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters."
"When we had issues with the CMA, Linklaters was the obvious choice."
"If you need all hands to the pump and something will affect your existence, go to Linklaters."
"They are market-leading antitrust lawyers who are fantastic at what they do, and they service us with really good partners who have really got to know our business."
"The team has a very broad range of skills and is able to get a handle on complex and challenging issues very quickly whilst still maintaining accuracy, which is paramount."
"The firm has an unparalleled ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters."
Notable Practitioners
Thomas Cassels is well regarded for defending clients in competition damages claims, including acting on high-profile collective action proceedings. He also represents clients in challenges to CMA decisions and applications to strike out damages claims. He acts as the head of the firm's competition litigation practice.
"He's got lots of ideas and is willing to be thoughtful and creative but also sensible and pragmatic for the client."
"He is a soft-spoken but very perceptive and insightful litigator who has a talent for distilling complex litigation matters down to the most critical components to deepen understanding and drive decision-making."
Bruce Kilpatrick represents clients in CMA investigations into potential breaches of competition law and in phase II merger clearance reviews. He also has experience advising on market studies, approval under the NSIA and appeals before the CAT.
"He is really user-friendly and takes time to understand the business."
"Bruce's advice is very sensible and he clearly knows his area of law particularly well."
"He is just a very down-to-earth chap and a really lovely guy."
"Bruce does a fabulous job identifying merger control risks and has a relentless focus on gathering the key evidence. He then strikes the right balance on calling the risks: Bruce gives proper risk-based advice."
Sarina Williams enters the rankings this year on the back of impressive work defending clients in high-profile class actions before the CAT. She often acts on damages claims arising from investigations into possible abuses of dominance.
"She is the kind of person you want to trust."
"She is absolute dynamite in terms of taking on big, heavyweight cases."
"She is a skilled and astute litigator who has a real command of all the salient aspects of CAT litigation and strategy."