Competition Law: Private Enforcement: Claimant
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 2
About
Provided by Mishcon de Reya LLP
Our well-established & market-leading competition team focus on advising claimants in complex, high-stakes competition litigation. We handle all types of disputes ranging from B2B claims to cutting-edge, consumer class actions. We have extensive settlement experience, recently achieving settlements worth in excess of £500m. We have deep expertise in managing the financial risks of litigation, including third-party funding and alternative fee arrangements. Our lawyers also advise businesses caught up in investigations into alleged competition law breaches, & individuals facing potential criminal sanctions or Director Disqualification. As risk managers, understanding of the processes, and knowledge of the enforcement agencies means that we can advise Boards & individuals in any given situation.
We advise clients on all aspects of merger control law including jurisdictional and strategic assessments, drafting merger notifications, advising third parties on tactical submissions & requests for information from merger control authorities. We advise on foreign investment rules which frequently trigger mandatory filings in the context of a transaction. When market inquiries are launched, we make sure key parties’ submissions are effective & targeted to reduce the risk of problematic outcomes.
We work with our corporate clients to devise pro-active risk management strategies & compliance procedures & test their effectiveness through the use of "mock" dawn raids & business audits.
Chambers Review
Mishcon de Reya has an established presence in contentious competition work with experience handling significant cartel and abuse of dominance damages claims. The law firm attracts particular attention for work on behalf of major retailers seeking to benefit from EC decisions. It assists clients from the technology and gambling industries, in addition to acting for class representatives in opt-out collective proceedings.
Work Highlights
- Mishcon de Reya represented a large group of retailers, including Sainsbury's, Iceland and Wilko, on claims arising from the Trucks cartel before the CAT.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The entire team shows great knowledge and experience."
"Mishcon de Reya offers a blend of wise hands and creativity, covering all aspects of competition law."
"Mishcon de Reya is both proactive and highly responsive to all client requests and asks in the lead-up to and during the heat of trial."
"Mishcon de Reya marshals the inputs rigorously and keeps resources focused on the critical issues for determination."
"The entire team shows great knowledge and experience."
"Mishcon de Reya offers a blend of wise hands and creativity, covering all aspects of competition law."
"Mishcon de Reya is both proactive and highly responsive to all client requests and asks in the lead-up to and during the heat of trial."
"Mishcon de Reya marshals the inputs rigorously and keeps resources focused on the critical issues for determination."
Notable Practitioners
Sarah Houghton represents claimants in high-profile damages actions concerning alleged abuses of dominance or cartel involvement. She has notable experience advising class representatives in mass damages actions and has a number of clients from the retail sector. She is the head of Mishcon de Reya's competition department.
"Sarah Houghton has been a great leader and is a very experienced voice for our team."
"It is her strategic thinking that sets her apart. The outcome exceeded expectations and I would work with her in a minute."
"Sarah Houghton provides strategic insight, practical and targeted advice and ultra-tight planning for complex litigation. She responds rapidly to changing case demands."
"Sarah Houghton is very personable and has good client handling skills. She is really a delight to work with."
"Sarah Houghton is excellent. She is a solid tactician, thinks about strategy and has good knowledge of procedures."
Ben Lasserson demonstrates impressive activity in damages claims before the High Court concerning possible abuses of dominance in the technology sector. He has additional experience advising class representatives in proposed collective action proceedings.
"Ben Lasserson is always on the ball for clients."
"Ben Lasserson is a strong practitioner across the board."
"Ben Lasserson is a pleasure to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Mishcon de Reya LLP
London (Firms)