Ranking tables
Competition Law | UK
London (Firms)
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
Band 4
Band 5
Senior Statespeople
Eminent Practitioners
- Rod Carlton Freshfields22 Years Ranked
- Samantha Mobley Baker McKenzie22 Years Ranked
- Deirdre TrappFreshfields
Band 1
- Ali Nikpay Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP9 Years Ranked
- Bertrand Louveaux Slaughter and May24 Years Ranked
- Claire Jeffs Slaughter and May12 Years Ranked
- Nicole Kar Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP17 Years Ranked
- Nigel Parr Ashurst27 Years Ranked
- Simon Priddis Freshfields16 Years Ranked
- Simon Pritchard Latham & Watkins15 Years Ranked
Band 2
- Alastair Chapman Freshfields12 Years Ranked
- Antonio Bavasso Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP15 Years Ranked
- Brian Sher CMS19 Years Ranked
- Bruce Kilpatrick Linklaters16 Years Ranked
- Isabel Taylor Slaughter and May13 Years Ranked
- James Aitken Freshfields11 Years Ranked
- Jenine Hulsmann Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLP20 Years Ranked
- Marc Israel White & Case LLP19 Years Ranked
- Nicholas Levy Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP6 Years Ranked
Band 3
- Alasdair Balfour Kirkland & Ellis International LLP15 Years Ranked
- Alexander Potter Freshfields13 Years Ranked
- Cameron Firth Macfarlanes LLP14 Years Ranked
- Jackie Holland Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP2 Years Ranked
- Jonathan Parker Latham & Watkins7 Years Ranked
- Martin McElwee Freshfields7 Years Ranked
- Nelson Jung Clifford Chance LLP6 Years Ranked
- Nigel Seay Travers Smith LLP15 Years Ranked
- Oliver Bretz Euclid Law19 Years Ranked
- Philipp Girardet Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP13 Years Ranked
- Rona Bar-Isaac Addleshaw Goddard LLP13 Years Ranked
- Stephen Smith Bristows LLP12 Years Ranked
- Stephen Wisking Herbert Smith Freehills23 Years Ranked
- Ros KellawayEversheds Sutherland
Band 4
- Al Mangan Addleshaw Goddard LLP6 Years Ranked
- Alan Davis Pinsent Masons20 Years Ranked
- Andrew Hockley Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP13 Years Ranked
- Angelique Bret Pinsent Masons7 Years Ranked
- Caroline Hobson Cooley LLP7 Years Ranked
- Davina Garrod Akin12 Years Ranked
- Deirdre Taylor Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP5 Years Ranked
- Diarmuid Ryan Squire Patton Boggs16 Years Ranked
- Duncan Liddell Ashurst20 Years Ranked
- Euan Burrows Ashurst17 Years Ranked
- Ian Giles Norton Rose Fulbright8 Years Ranked
- James Webber A&O Shearman9 Years Ranked
- Malcolm Walton Macfarlanes LLP12 Years Ranked
- Mark Jones Jones Day17 Years Ranked
- Matthew Readings A&O Shearman18 Years Ranked
- Michele Davis Freshfields2 Years Ranked
- Natura Gracia Linklaters4 Years Ranked
- Paul Gilbert Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP10 Years Ranked
- Philip Mansfield A&O Shearman13 Years Ranked
- Ruchit Patel Ropes & Gray LLP5 Years Ranked
- Satyen Dhana Kirkland & Ellis International LLP5 Years Ranked
- Trudy Feaster-Gee Stephenson Harwood LLP10 Years Ranked
- Juan RodriguezSullivan & Cromwell LLP
- Peter HarperEversheds Sutherland
Band 5
- Alex Nourry Clifford Chance LLP21 Years Ranked
- André Pretorius Herbert Smith Freehills6 Years Ranked
- Angus Coulter Hogan Lovells11 Years Ranked
- David Little Latham & Watkins1 Years Ranked
- Dominic Long A&O Shearman2 Years Ranked
- Gillian Sproul Greenberg Traurig, LLP19 Years Ranked
- James Marshall Covington & Burling LLP1 Years Ranked
- John Schmidt Arnold & Porter20 Years Ranked
- Lisa Wright Slaughter and May2 Years Ranked
- Luis Gomez Baker McKenzie8 Years Ranked
- Matt Evans DLA Piper LLP7 Years Ranked
- Neil Cuninghame Ashurst5 Years Ranked
- Omar Shah Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP12 Years Ranked
- Patrick Harrison Sidley Austin LLP6 Years Ranked
- Sally Evans Kirkland & Ellis International LLP4 Years Ranked
- Sam Szlezinger DLA Piper LLP19 Years Ranked
- Sarah Smith DLA Piper LLP5 Years Ranked
- Stephen Whitfield Travers Smith LLP3 Years Ranked
- Timothy R.W. Cowen Preiskel & Co LLP12 Years Ranked
- Veronica Roberts Herbert Smith Freehills12 Years Ranked
- Vincent P Brophy Sidley Austin LLP3 Years Ranked
- William Turtle Slaughter and May3 Years Ranked
- Julia Woodward-CarltonEversheds Sutherland
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 Clifford Chance LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 1 | 11 Years RankedClifford Chance remains a particularly popular choice for clients from the financial services, telecommunications and technology sectors for competition law matters. The law firm offers market-leading expertise in phase I and II merger clearance investigations before the CMA, in addition to acting on high-value foreign direct investment filings. The law firm's wider network of offices facilitates the in-house coordination of pan-European or transatlantic merger filings. The team further stands out for its ability to assist clients with CMA investigations into alleged breaches of competition law and market studies. In addition, it represents both claimants and defendants in contentious matters before the CAT, as well as acting on a number of appeals against CMA fines, often in the pharmaceutical sector.1 FreshfieldsCompetition Law2025 | Band 1 | 11 Years RankedFreshfields enjoys an excellent reputation for activity across all aspects of competition law. The law firm is highly sought after by international companies from diverse sectors for merger filings before the CMA, with recent experience handling phase II investigations as well as advising on notifications of foreign direct investment. The London office collaborates with colleagues across the globe to handle multi-jurisdictional merger clearances. The team is also highly regarded for representing clients in CMA investigations into possible breaches of competition law, as well as sector inquiries carried out by a range of authorities. The law firm boasts a strong bench of competition litigators who defend clients in a number of high-profile follow-on damages actions, including collective proceedings. It also offers experience in advising on state aid matters.1 LinklatersCompetition Law2025 | Band 1 | 11 Years RankedLinklaters 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 law 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.1 Slaughter and MayCompetition Law2025 | Band 1 | 11 Years RankedSlaughter and May stands out for its ability to handle high-profile merger clearance mandates, assisting clients with phase I and II reviews before the CMA, as well as acting on highly contentious merger filings that involve disputes around jurisdictional issues. The law firm also offers notable experience in foreign direct investment filings and coordinates wider global regulatory approvals with counsel based in relevant jurisdictions. The team handles behavioural and market investigations for major clients and also boasts notable experience acting on abuse of dominance investigations and stand-alone claims brought in the UK courts. It enjoys a market-leading caseload of follow-on damages and collective proceedings and defending claims filed against various international clients. It also maintains a strong subsidy control practice, often assisting the providers of the subsidy.
Band 2
2 A&O ShearmanCompetition Law2025 | Band 2 | 20 Years RankedFollowing its merger, A&O Shearman benefits from an increased bench in the field of competition law. The team offers clients notable strength in the competition law aspects of transactions, advising on foreign direct investment and National Security and Investment Act issues, as well as phase I and II merger clearances. The law firm's broad practice also encompasses behavioural investigations and subsidy control matters. The team also has experience in contentious competition law matters and has also assisted clients with issues arising from cooperation between companies on sustainability grounds.2 AshurstCompetition Law2025 | Band 2 | 11 Years RankedAshurst often assists clients with obtaining clearance from the CMA for mergers, as well as advising on issues under the National Security and Investment Act. The law firm also advises on behavioural investigations and market inquiries carried out by UK authorities. The team offers further experience in follow-on damages litigation as well as handling high-profile CAT and CJEU appeals against fines. Team members also act for clients on state aid matters under the UK's new subsidy control regime.2 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 2 | 11 Years RankedCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP offers a strong competition law practice, often assisting clients with obtaining regulatory clearance for high-value corporate transactions. In addition to assisting clients with phase II merger reviews before the CMA, the law firm also represents clients in CMA sector inquiries and investigations into possible breaches of competition law before both the CMA and other regulators. Team members are also active in competition litigation, usually defending clients in collective proceedings and follow-on damages actions. The team works closely with the law firm's market-leading practice in Brussels to advise on matters that involve both the UK and EU authorities.2 Herbert Smith FreehillsCompetition Law2025 | Band 2 | 11 Years RankedHerbert Smith Freehills is well regarded for its ability to handle contentious competition law matters, often acting for the defendants on high-profile damages claims, including class actions. In addition to its strength in competition litigation, the law firm also advises clients on all competition law aspects of corporate transactions, assisting with merger clearance investigations, foreign direct investment filings and notifications under the National Security and Investment Act. The team further represents clients in investigations into possible anti-competitive behaviour carried out by the CMA and other authorities. It benefits from long-standing relationships with clients in the technology and transportation sectors.
Band 3
3 Addleshaw Goddard LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedAddleshaw Goddard advises clients on a broad range of competition law matters. The law firm has notable experience in market studies carried out by the CMA and other authorities. In addition it assists clients with obtaining regulatory approval for corporate transactions, including advising on the National Security and Investment Act and merger clearance reviews. Furthermore, the team represents clients in CMA investigations into potential anti-competitive behaviour and disputes related to collective proceedings and damages claims.3 Hogan LovellsCompetition Law2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedHogan Lovells has a broad competition law practice that includes advising clients on merger notifications to the CMA and representing them in investigations into alleged breaches of competition law. The law firm is also active in competition litigation matters, representing defendants in follow-on damages claims and collective actions. Team members have further experience handling mandates under the new UK subsidy control regime.3 Latham & WatkinsCompetition Law2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedLatham & Watkins is particularly known for advising on the competition law aspects of corporate transactions, assisting clients with foreign direct investment notifications and with phase II investigations before the CMA. The London office often collaborates with the law firm's highly regarded offices in other jurisdictions to assist with the competition law clearance of multi-jurisdictional mergers. In addition the team has experience in behavioural investigations before the CMA and subsequent disputes.3 Macfarlanes LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 3 | 9 Years RankedMacfarlanes assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. The law firm has notable recent experience defending clients in high-profile follow-on damages claims, including class actions, as well as assisting them with challenges to authority decisions. On the non-contentious side, the team has experience in phase I and II merger reviews before the CMA and in behavioural investigations. Team members also act on subsidy control mandates and advise on whether companies can collaborate on sustainability grounds without breaching competition law.3 Norton Rose FulbrightCompetition Law2025 | Band 3 | 11 Years RankedNorton Rose Fulbright has been particularly active recently defending banks in competition litigation. The law firm represents clients in behavioural investigations, claims of anti-competitive conduct, follow-on damages actions and collective proceedings, often before the CAT or UK High Court. The team also assists with CMA merger reviews, including at both phase I and II, as well as assisting with the compliance aspects of net zero initiatives. Clients also benefit from the law firm's broad network of offices to act on multi-jurisdictional matters.
Band 4
4 Baker McKenzieCompetition Law2025 | Band 4 | 11 Years RankedBaker McKenzie often assists clients with merger control filings and FDI notifications, including representing clients in phase II reviews before the CMA. Clients benefit from the law firm's broad global network for transactions that require filing in multiple jurisdictions. In addition, the law firm acts for clients on sector inquiries and the competition compliance aspects of distribution agreements. The team also has experience in appeals against authority decisions and in follow-on damages claims. It has a number of clients from the technology and pharmaceutical sectors.4 Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 4 | 11 Years RankedBryan Cave Leighton Paisner has a notable contentious competition law practice, offering notable experience in stand-alone and follow-on damages actions, representing both the defendants and claimants in high-profile cases. The law firm also acts for clients in investigations into possible breaches of competition law conducted by UK regulators. In addition, the team assists with FDI filings and merger control notifications.4 CMSCompetition Law2025 | Band 4 | 11 Years RankedCMS assists clients with the competition aspects of corporate transactions, including obtaining merger clearance and NSIA approval. The law firm also advises on CMA behavioural investigations and assists with challenges to fines imposed by the authority. The team is also able to represent clients in competition law disputes, often collaborating with members of the firm's litigation department. The London office of CMS often works alongside the law firm's other offices across the UK and globally on competition law matters.4 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 4 | 6 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher assists clients with obtaining merger clearance following phase I and II CMA investigations for several high-value transactions. The law firm also has experience with foreign direct investment notifications. In addition the team has experience in behavioural matters, including assisting clients with CMA market investigations and defending them against allegations of breaching competition law. The team also has a growing reputation for its representation in high-profile competition disputes, including collective proceedings and damages claims. It is a popular choice with private equity houses as well as with clients from the technology and sporting sectors.4 Kirkland & Ellis International LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedKirkland & Ellis has a strong focus on assisting clients with obtaining competition law clearance for corporate transactions, including advising clients on phase I and II merger reviews and on foreign direct investment filings. The law firm is well known for acting for private equity houses on merger control mandates. In addition, the team has experience in behavioural investigations before the CMA.4 Pinsent MasonsCompetition Law2025 | Band 4 | 11 Years RankedPinsent Masons often represents clients in CMA investigations into allegations of possible abuses of dominance or bid-rigging, as well as subsequent litigation, including follow-on damages claims related to cartel findings. The law firm also acts on the competition law aspects of corporate transactions, assisting clients with merger clearance reviews and the compliance aspects of collaboration agreements. The team is able to handle matters across the UK and internationally thanks to its network of offices.4 Travers Smith LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 4 | 8 Years RankedTravers Smith assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. The law firm often defends clients in high-profile follow-on damages cases. On the non-contentious side, the team is active in merger clearance mandates before the CMA, as well as advising clients on obtaining FDI and NSIA approval. It also represents clients in behavioural investigations, including before the FCA. The team assists clients with competition law compliance issues.
Band 5
5 Bristows LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 5 | 9 Years RankedBristows is a popular choice with clients from the technology and pharmaceutical sectors for advice on the full range of competition law matters. The law firm has experience in merger clearance and NSIA filings, as well as in behavioural complaints, appeals against authority decisions and damages actions. Team members also have experience in subsidy control matters. The law firm is known for its ability to handle matters that overlap between intellectual property and competition law.5 DLA Piper LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 5 | 11 Years RankedDLA Piper is particularly active in assisting clients with obtaining foreign direct investment approval and merger clearance notifications, including phase I reviews before the CMA. In addition, the law firm acts on behavioural investigations, disputes before the CAT and appeals against behavioural fines. Team members offer further experience in subsidy control matters. Clients benefit from the team's ability to work together with colleagues based abroad.5 Jones DayCompetition Law2025 | Band 5 | 9 Years RankedJones Day's London office handles a broad range of competition law matters, including advising clients on obtaining merger clearance approval from the CMA and representing clients in sector studies and investigations into allegations of anti-competitive behaviour before various UK regulatory authorities. Team members offer additional experience in competition litigation matters, often defending high-profile financial sector clients in damages actions. The team has experience acting alongside the law firm's other offices in Europe on multinational matters.5 Simmons & Simmons LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 5 | 11 Years RankedSimmons & Simmons has experience in both contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. The law firm represents clients in damages claims, class actions and complaints of anti-competitive behaviour. The team often assists clients with the notification of mergers to the CMA, including advising on phase II reviews.5 Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedWillkie Farr & Gallagher has a prominent team in competition litigation, with experience representing both claimants and defendants in high-profile follow-on damages actions and collective proceedings. The law firm also represents clients in CMA investigations into possible anti-competitive conduct and advises on merger clearance reviews, including phase II investigations. The team further assists clients with competition law compliance.
Band 6
6 Covington & Burling LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedCovington & Burling is involved in a number of large multi-jurisdictional merger clearance mandates, often in cooperation with its offices in the US and Brussels. The team has additional experience advising clients on claims of anti-competitive behaviour and other CMA investigations. Team members also assist clients with foreign direct investment filings and litigation related to damages claims and class actions. It is a popular choice with clients from the pharmaceutical, sporting and technology sectors.6 Euclid LawCompetition Law2025 | Band 6 | 6 Years RankedEuclid Law has a broad competition law practice covering merger clearance filings, foreign direct investment notifications, the compliance of distribution agreements and behavioural investigations by the CMA and other regulatory authorities. The team often collaborates with the law firm's office in Brussels on multinational matters. The law firm also has experience with National Security and Investment Act mandates.6 Sidley Austin LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 6 | 4 Years RankedSidley Austin often acts for clients on foreign direct investment filings and merger clearance reviews before the CMA, representing both the transacting parties and interested third parties. The team also assists clients with behavioural investigations and market inquiries before various UK regulatory authorities. The law firm further advises on competition compliance matters such as licensing agreements. The team in London often collaborates with the firm's Brussels office.6 Weil, Gotshal & Manges (London) LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedWeil, Gotshal & Manges houses a skilled team that is adept at advising on the merger control and FDI aspects of global corporate transactions, including phase II reviews. The lawyers additionally represent clients in CMA investigations into anti-competitive conduct. It is regularly sought after by clients from the technology, telecommunications and luxury sectors, as well as representing private equity houses. The team also maintains close relationships with its US and European antitrust practices to advise on cross-border matters.6 White & Case LLPCompetition Law2025 | Band 6 | 2 Years RankedWhite & Case operates a broad competition law practice, with experience representing clients in merger clearance and foreign direct investment filings, as well as in CMA behavioural investigations and sector inquiries. In addition, the law firm has experience in contentious competition law matters, defending clients in follow-on damages actions and collective proceedings. The team often works closely with the law firm's well-regarded office in Brussels.