Ranking tables
Competition: EU | Global
Belgium
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
- Freshfields 5 Years Ranked
- Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Latham & Watkins
Band 2
Band 3
Band 4
- Dechert LLP 5 Years Ranked
- Garrigues 5 Years Ranked
- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 5 Years Ranked
- Hogan Lovells International LLP 5 Years Ranked
- Sidley Austin LLP 5 Years Ranked
- contrast
- Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Band 5
- Bird & Bird 5 Years Ranked
- BonelliErede 5 Years Ranked
- Gide Loyrette Nouel 5 Years Ranked
- Reed Smith 3 Years Ranked
- Squire Patton Boggs 5 Years Ranked
- Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 4 Years Ranked
- Ashurst
- Gleiss Lutz
- Hengeler Mueller
- Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Senior Statespeople
- Alec Burnside Dechert LLP24 Years Ranked
- Gerwin Van Gerven Linklaters24 Years Ranked
- James S Venit Dentons24 Years Ranked
- Onno Brouwer Freshfields24 Years Ranked
- Thomas Vinje Clifford Chance LLP20 Years Ranked
- Antoine WincklerCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Jean-François BellisVan Bael & Bellis
- Maurits DolmansCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Eminent Practitioners
Band 1
- Frank Montag Freshfields24 Years Ranked
- Frederic Depoortere Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates19 Years Ranked
- Francisco Enrique González-DíazCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Lars KjølbyeLatham & Watkins
- Robbert SneldersCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Sven VölckerLatham & Watkins
Band 2
- Bernard E Amory Jones Day24 Years Ranked
- Bernd Meyring Linklaters14 Years Ranked
- Ingrid Vandenborre Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates12 Years Ranked
- James Killick White & Case17 Years Ranked
- Mark Powell White & Case24 Years Ranked
- Thomas Janssens Freshfields17 Years Ranked
- Nicholas LevyCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Thomas GrafCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Trevor SoamesQuinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Band 3
- Anna Lyle-Smythe Slaughter and May9 Years Ranked
- Assimakis Komninos White & Case12 Years Ranked
- Catriona Hatton Baker Botts L.L.P.19 Years Ranked
- Christopher Thomas Hogan Lovells International LLP19 Years Ranked
- Dirk Arts A&O Shearman19 Years Ranked
- Johan Ysewyn Covington & Burling LLP18 Years Ranked
- Jordan Ellison Slaughter and May9 Years Ranked
- Rafique Bachour Freshfields12 Years Ranked
- Sascha Schubert Freshfields9 Years Ranked
- Jonas KoponenCooley LLP
- Kyriakos FountoukakosHerbert Smith Freehills
- Romano Subiotto KCCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Band 4
- Alexandre G Verheyden Jones Day23 Years Ranked
- Alfonso Lamadrid Garrigues7 Years Ranked
- Bill Batchelor Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates16 Years Ranked
- Christian Ahlborn Covington & Burling LLP19 Years Ranked
- Christian Riis-Madsen Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP14 Years Ranked
- Edurne Navarro Varona Uría Menéndez23 Years Ranked
- Gavin Bushell Baker McKenzie12 Years Ranked
- Isabelle M Rahman Reed Smith19 Years Ranked
- José Rivas Bird & Bird17 Years Ranked
- Jürgen Schindler Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP12 Years Ranked
- Ken Daly Sidley Austin LLP15 Years Ranked
- Laurent Garzaniti Freshfields16 Years Ranked
- Michael Rosenthal Sullivan & Cromwell LLP16 Years Ranked
- Miranda Cole Norton Rose Fulbright12 Years Ranked
- Paul Lugard Baker Botts L.L.P.9 Years Ranked
- Thomas Wessely Freshfields13 Years Ranked
- Andrzej KmiecikVan Bael & Bellis
- Christopher CookCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- David G AndersonBryan Cave Leighton Paisner
- David HullVan Bael & Bellis
- Denis WaelbroeckAshurst
- Kris Van HoveVan Bael & Bellis
- Porter ElliottVan Bael & Bellis
- Stephen MavroghenisQuinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Band 5
- Anne Federle Bird & Bird13 Years Ranked
- Axel Gutermuth Arnold & Porter12 Years Ranked
- Brian N Hartnett Squire Patton Boggs17 Years Ranked
- Izzet M Sinan Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP16 Years Ranked
- Kristina Nordlander A&O Shearman14 Years Ranked
- Laurent Godfroid Gide Loyrette Nouel9 Years Ranked
- Luc Gyselen Arnold & Porter19 Years Ranked
- Massimo Merola BonelliErede24 Years Ranked
- Matthew Levitt Baker Botts L.L.P.19 Years Ranked
- Niels Ersbøll Arnold & Porter7 Years Ranked
- Salomé Cisnal de Ugarte King & Spalding8 Years Ranked
- Annette Luise SchildAntitrust Law Schild
- Benoit KeaneKeane Legal
- Damien GeradinGeradin Partners
- Denis FosselardAshurst
- Frank WijckmansFaros
- Héctor ArmengodLatham & Watkins
- Jacques DerenneSheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
- Javier Ruiz CalzadoLatham & Watkins
- Luca CroccoLatham & Watkins
- Miguel RatoQuinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
- Oliver BretzEuclid Law
- Peter CamesascaCamesasca bvba
- Ulrich SoltészGleiss Lutz
Band 6
- Anastasios Tomtsis Clifford Chance LLP7 Years Ranked
- Annamaria Mangiaracina Linklaters5 Years Ranked
- Benoît Le Bret Gide Loyrette Nouel11 Years Ranked
- Bertold Bär-Bouyssière Dentons20 Years Ranked
- Charlotte Breuvart Jones Day11 Years Ranked
- Christian Filippitsch Reed Smith13 Years Ranked
- Christina Renner Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP1 Years Ranked
- Francesco Carloni K&L Gates7 Years Ranked
- Jens Peter Schmidt Noerr12 Years Ranked
- Mario Todino Jones Day13 Years Ranked
- Philipp Werner Jones Day12 Years Ranked
- Sibel Yilmaz Covington & Burling LLP5 Years Ranked
- Tone Oeyen Freshfields3 Years Ranked
- Volker Weiss Schoenherr Belgium9 Years Ranked
- Alexander IsraelCooley LLP
- Carles Esteva MossoLatham & Watkins
- Filip Tuytschaevercontrast
- Hans-Jörg NiemeyerHengeler Mueller
- Markus RöhrigHengeler Mueller
- Markus WellingerVan Bael & Bellis
- Patrick BockCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
- Riccardo CelliO'Melveny & Myers LLP
Up and Coming
- Ashwin van Rooijen Clifford Chance LLP1 Years Ranked
- Attila Borsos Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP1 Years Ranked
- Katarzyna Czapracka White & Case1 Years Ranked
- Kerry O’Connell Slaughter and May1 Years Ranked
- Isabel RoomsCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 FreshfieldsCompetition: EU2024 | Band 1 | 5 Years RankedFreshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is held out as a market leader for advice on complex EU competition law issues. The law firm has the ability to bring together specific sector expertise and a deep understanding of the EC to advise on phase II merger investigations into planned transactions, including in the shipbuilding, telecommunications and natural resource sectors. The firm has acted on appeals and subsequent damages claims against merger prohibition decisions made by the EC. It represents defendants in abuse of dominance or cartel investigations initiated by the EU authorities. Key partners have a strong reputation for their handling of contentious state aid mandates, including important cases that relate to the provision of tax breaks to defendant companies. Freshfields also has an important domestic Belgian competition law practice that handles BCA cartel investigations, merger control issues and follow-on damages claims filed in Brussels.
Band 2
2 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesCompetition: EU2024 | Band 2 | 5 Years RankedSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom benefits from a strong pipeline of major M&A transactions, including US strategic investments into Europe and vice versa. The strength of its Brussels-based practice earns the firm roles on transactions that are subject to detailed investigation by the EC and that often necessitate the negotiation and implementation of complex remedy packages. The firm is particularly popular with clients from the technology sector. Skadden also acts on important EU behavioural mandates, including investigations into potential collusion between companies in the financial services sector.2 Slaughter and MayCompetition: EU2024 | Band 2 | 5 Years RankedSlaughter and May's competition teams in Brussels and London often work closely together on high-value mergers that are likely to attract considerable scrutiny from the CMA and the EC. The law firm has also acted on antitrust investigations, often involving alleged breaches of Article 102. Slaughter and May's lawyers additionally assist third-party interveners with EGC cases seeking to overturn merger clearance decisions or appeals of EC abuse of dominance decisions taken against IT sector clients.2 White & CaseCompetition: EU2024 | Band 2 | 5 Years RankedWhite & Case stands out for its work on various significant CJEU appeals against EC decisions, having acted both for addressees and intervening third parties on significant abuse of dominance cases in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors, often involving high-quantum fines. The law firm has experience acting on notable transactions that are subject to EU merger investigations, as well as acting for interested third parties. Clients benefit from the firm's broad international network, as well as a number of dual-qualified lawyers in the firm's Brussels office.
Band 3
3 A&O ShearmanCompetition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedThe firm benefits from a long-established domestic Belgian practice that targets sophisticated competition law mandates investigated by the Belgian Competition Authority. It advises on the notification of Belgian mergers or joint ventures, and it defends clients in BCA cartel investigations. The lawyers have also acted on EU cartel investigations and appeals against significant fines, including for multinational financial institutions and truck manufacturers. The Brussels team handles European or global transactions that trigger EU merger notifications, serving a broad client list that includes Middle Eastern oil and gas companies, as well as global financial services and investment firms. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.3 Arnold & PorterCompetition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedSome of Arnold & Porter's most impressive work stems from its strong reputation among major life sciences sector companies, which instruct the firm on mergers, abuse of dominance complaints and broader advisory matters relating to the roll-out of new drugs or vaccines. The firm has also acted on phase II EU merger investigations of planned IT sector transactions, working together with lawyers in Washington, DC to coordinate US antitrust filings.3 Baker Botts L.L.P.Competition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedBaker Botts acts for a number of clients from the TMT, energy and transport industries. It represents clients in EC cartel or abuse of dominance investigations. The law firm defends companies in private enforcement actions and has experience acting on the claimant side of follow-on claims. The Brussels team is also a key component in the firm's global merger control practice and is well versed in assisting notifying parties as well as interveners.3 Baker McKenzieCompetition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedBaker McKenzie is often selected to handle merger filings in support of high-value transactions that are notifiable both to the EU and to numerous competition authorities worldwide. It has handled standout transactions on behalf of clients from the TMT, consumer goods and life sciences sectors. The law firm advises on sector inquiries and issues around selective distribution networks. The team also has a notable state aid practice that includes compliance mandates for public bodies and CJEU appeals against EC findings of illegal state aid. Baker McKenzie equally boasts strength in abuse of dominance investigations before the EC.3 Clifford Chance LLPCompetition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedClifford Chance stands out for its work on the complainant side of significant EC investigations into alleged abuse of dominance in the IT sector. It has represented clients in subsequent EGC appeals that seek to overturn considerable fines. The firm also represents defendants in behavioural investigations and acts for clients on cases dealing with issues around state aid. Clifford Chance has additional experience in high-profile merger control work, covering EC and other non-US filings of global mandates. The team is also a favourite amongst clients for its ability to provide advice on new digital regulations.3 Covington & Burling LLPCompetition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedCovington & Burling has an established reputation for its work on high-profile state aid cases for public entities, and it has been notably active in the notification or defence of state aid measures introduced to support the aviation sector. The team also has proven experience in defending clients in BCA investigations and advises on domestic civil litigation that seeks to rely on competition law principles. The law firm acts both for merging parties and for third-party interveners on transactions that are notified either to the EC or to the Belgian Competition Authority. Together with its London colleagues, the Brussels team regularly advises on large-scale global merger control mandates. It has additional experience in handling EC cartel probes.3 Jones DayCompetition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedJones Day is highly regarded for its work notifying M&A transactions to the EU authorities. The Brussels team regularly works with colleagues across the USA and other jurisdictions to handle merger mandates for companies in the transportation and manufacturing industries, as well as the energy and life sciences sectors. Brussels-based individuals qualified in different EU member states often also assist with merger control or behavioural investigations carried out by national competition regulators in Italy, France or Germany. The law firm attracts particular attention for its longstanding telecoms sector expertise, having advised on various mandates including EU investigations into the functioning of network sharing agreements. The team also exhibits skill with regards to private enforcement litigation.3 LinklatersCompetition: EU2024 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedLinklaters has handled standout consumer goods, life sciences and IT sector transactions that are subject to merger control investigations in the EU, and that often leverage the firm's wider network of competition teams for the coordination of global filings. The team has demonstrable experience in deals that raise significant foreign direct investment issues in multiple jurisdictions and is a key contact for investment firms. Linklaters has further experience representing companies in abuse of dominance investigations, and it attracts particular attention for its work on behalf of third-party interveners in key CJEU proceedings.
Band 4
4 Dechert LLPCompetition: EU2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedDechert is especially strong on the coordination of global merger filings. The team is also experienced in EC cartel investigations and in EGC appeals against adverse decisions. It additionally advises on the filing of complaints with the EC seeking the investigation of anti-competitive practices and assists with third-party interventions in merger investigations. Dechert has also actively contributed to the push to enable competitors to engage in sustainability initiatives without fear of reprisal from competition regulators.4 GarriguesCompetition: EU2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedGarrigues is instructed on a considerable volume of major state aid cases brought predominantly by Spanish companies affected by EC decisions. It has assisted with cases that raise state aid or other EU law challenges to the introduction of new tax legislation in Spain. It also acts for non-Spanish entities on state aid complaints against the approval of new infrastructure projects. The firm's wider competition law capabilities are showcased through its work on EC merger controls, abuse of dominance investigations or major CJEU cases through which IT companies seek to overturn significant behavioural fines.4 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPCompetition: EU2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher handles significant EC behavioural mandates on behalf of sophisticated US or Europe-headquartered companies. It defends clients in EC abuse of dominance investigations and acts for major complainant companies seeking to gain traction with the EC for new cases. The law firm also acts on cartel cases and assists a number of clients with merger clearance and FDI filing mandates. The team additionally handles notifications of state aid schemes or EGC cases through which companies seek to overturn rulings on compatible state aid.4 Hogan Lovells International LLPCompetition: EU2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedSome of Hogan Lovells' most high-profile work highlights include instructions on important EGC and CJEU appeal proceedings in which the firm seeks the annulment of high-value EC competition fines. Hogan Lovells has notable experience in abuse of dominance mandates and also handles significant merger control matters, often involving FDI concerns. The team is additionally equipped to handle the competition law elements of standard-essential patents.4 Sidley Austin LLPCompetition: EU2024 | Band 4 | 5 Years RankedSidley Austin couches its competition law capabilities within a wider EU law practice that handles EC-level regulatory and policy mandates and leads challenges to national laws that restrict fundamental rights afforded by EU treaties. It advises life sciences and technology sector clients on specific EU competition cases and on compliance issues. The law firm also assists clients with obtaining merger clearance and FDI approval for transactions, often representing third parties in significant merger investigations and working alongside colleagues in the US or UK. Sidley Austin also advises key telecoms clients on their responses to EC investigations.
Band 5
5 Bird & BirdCompetition: EU2024 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedBird & Bird regularly advises clients on assessing requirements for merger filings and submitting notifications. It also acts on competition issues relating to the distribution of fashion and manufacturing products and assists technology companies with appeals of EC cartel and abuse of dominance decisions. The team is also adept at advising clients on contentious state aid matters. One of the standout aspects of the practice is its activity in the sports sector; it advises several sports governing bodies either on specific competition law-based complaints or on more general matters relating to the exercise of their regulatory functions.5 BonelliEredeCompetition: EU2024 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedBonelliErede has a particularly strong reputation in the field of state aid, having won roles in important state aid cases in the energy, transportation and financial services sectors. The law firm is also well placed to assist both notifying parties and interveners with EU merger clearance mandates. The team is especially well-versed in matters that have a significant Italian law component, often working alongside colleagues in Rome, as well as representing Italian clients before EU institutions.5 Gide Loyrette NouelCompetition: EU2024 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedGide Loyrette Nouel regularly advises on merger control issues arising from planned M&A and joint venture transactions. It has further experience in EC abuse of dominance and anti-competitive practice investigations, with a focus on advising complainants and interveners. It is particularly active for TMT, transport, energy and finance companies and stands out for its focus on French and Polish clients, whom it represents before both national and EU authorities. The team's practice is also well versed in issues relating to state aid litigation, compliance and notifications.5 Reed SmithCompetition: EU2024 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedReed Smith has the proven capacity to handle significant mandates relating to EC behavioural investigations or merger notifications. It also provides ongoing advice to key clients on their interventions in third-party mergers or on the competition law implications of new commercial agreements. The law firm is active for US, European and Asian clients and has experience dealing with innovative mandates, such as those linking sustainability issues and competition law.5 Squire Patton BoggsCompetition: EU2024 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedSquire Patton Boggs wins instructions both on specific merger control or behavioural matters and as ongoing competition counsel. The law firm acts on appeals against EC cartel decisions and assists with follow-on damages litigation. It advises on the review of distribution agreements or new product or service offerings in order to identify competition risks.5 Sullivan & Cromwell LLPCompetition: EU2024 | Band 5 | 4 Years RankedSullivan & Cromwell assists clients with EC merger filings made as part of multinational pharmaceutical or technology sector transactions, with particular experience in transactions connected to Germany, the US and South Korea. It also handles EU appeals against merger prohibitions and assists with the defence against EC investigations into anti-competitive conduct and in follow-on damages claims.