Competition Law
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 2000Chambers Review
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 senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are excellent, especially Adam Wheeler, who is very responsive and enthusiastic."
"The clerks are straightforward and easy to deal with."
"The clerking team are fantastic. They are one of the most responsive in London."
"Jodie is great."
"One Essex Court has one of the best clerking teams we have come across. Adam Wheeler is driving the competition practice and ensuring law firms get exposure to barristers of all call years."
"The clerks are excellent, especially Adam Wheeler, who is very responsive and enthusiastic."
"The clerks are straightforward and easy to deal with."
"The clerking team are fantastic. They are one of the most responsive in London."
"Jodie is great."
"One Essex Court has one of the best clerking teams we have come across. Adam Wheeler is driving the competition practice and ensuring law firms get exposure to barristers of all call years."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"Conall is excellent. He is very bright and a really persuasive advocate."
"He is a formidable advocate. He is so bright and delivers really sharp and strategic advice."
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.
"He is really easy to work with and has a lovely advocacy style. He is an excellent cross-examiner."
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's mastery of complex detail and ability to deploy it effectively is second to none."
"Matthew is extremely knowledgeable, while retaining excellent commercial acumen. He is able to work within the remits of client instructions with ease, even on the most complex of matters."
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's written work and oral submissions are measured, clear and technically brilliant. His ability to think simultaneously about the big picture alongside the tricky detailed points is superb."
"Owain is practical, sensible and responsive."
Greg Adey boasts a broad competition law practice that spans both contentious and non-contentious matters, representing several notable clients.
"Greg is responsive with strong written work and very analytical attention to detail."