Competition Law

One Essex Court brings its members' formidable expertise in commercial litigation to bear in some of the largest competition litigation in the English courts. The barristers represent defendants and claimants in follow-on damages cases, regulatory challenges and distribution disputes. The set is active before courts and tribunals at all levels, from the CAT to the Supreme Court. Members have taken key roles in major cases such as the interchange litigation, and competition law claims arising from the LIBOR rigging scandal.

Darren Burrows is the senior clerk at One Essex Court.

"Adam Wheeler and the other clerks are incredibly responsive and helpful."

"The clerks are exceptionally responsive and helpful, and a pleasure to engage with."

"Rob Smith is a pleasure to deal with and is very responsive."

"Our interactions with the clerks have been positive and easy to deal with, and they are good at helping us out. They are generally very helpful and useful."

Conall Patton KC
Conall Patton KC is a talented competition barrister who has tended to defend corporates in standalone claims and collective actions. His work typically concerns abuse of dominance claims, including those with elements of IP infringement or fraud. "The star of the show; out of this world. He is able to read vast volumes of complicated information, and calmly cuts to the heart of the issue." "Conall has good instincts on which points are important and which can be put to one side." "A lethal cross-examiner."

Derek Spitz
Derek Spitz advises claimants and defendants on private actions for competition law damages, particularly those arising from cartels. Spitz also assists clients with abuse of dominance cases. Spitz has recently acted on the claimant side of several high-value collective action proceedings against financial services companies. "Derek is measured and very clever, and is also extremely user-friendly. He is a treat for instructing solicitors." "Derek is excellent in competition law. He is very thorough, diligent, easy to work with and a good team player."

Matthew Cook KC
Matthew Cook KC is well known for his work defending key financial services clients in high-value commercial damages actions. He has experience of opposing collective proceedings order applications to the CAT and defending follow-on damages cases. "Matthew is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and decisive. He is increasingly a go-to silk for complex and technical issues, and for hearings in the competition law space." "His ability to digest huge amounts of complex information and produce synthesised and succinct arguments is impressive." "Matthew is a fountain of knowledge who is all over the facts. He works with client objectives to reach the desired outcome. His advice on all procedural aspects is strong. He works very well with all levels of seniority of our team, and is willing to muck in."

Owain Draper
Owain Draper has a wide-ranging competition law practice that spans acting for claimants and defendants on cartel damages claims, the appeal of regulatory decisions and representing clients in abuse of dominance cases. "Owain produces clear and well-reasoned submissions. He also makes effective and focused cross-examinations." "Owain is excellent in both his written work and his oral submissions. He is very thorough and effective in cross-examining witnesses. He is easy to work with and provides immeasurable support to the silks throughout trials."