Methodology

The Most Highly Regarded are those individuals who received the highest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel and other market sources this year. Our research has identified them as truly outstanding practitioners and the very best in their field.

Who’s Who Legal does not list law firms, only individual lawyers. The leading firms are those in each region whose listed practitioners received the most total nominations in our research.

 

Europe – Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Patrick Bock, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton – Brussels
• Charlotte Breuvart, Jones Day – Brussels
• Sascha Dethof, Fieldfisher – Düsseldorf
• Andrea Hamilton, McDermott Will & Emery – Brussels
• Moritz Holm-Hadulla, Gleiss Lutz – Stuttgart
• Ruchit Patel, Ropes & Gray – London
• Elvira Aliende Rodriguez, Shearman & Sterling – Brussels

 

Leading firms

 

Freshfields

Katrin Gaßner is hailed as an “excellent lawyer” and a seasoned expert in European and German cartel law, with extensive experience in phase-two merger control cases.
Deba Das draws praise for his “high-level experience representing clients in complex multi-jurisdictional conduct cases”.
Nicholas Frey is acclaimed as an “excellent competition law litigator” who is “regularly on top of all the details”.
Michele Davis is highlighted for being “very skilled at merger control matters, particularly in the telecoms sector” and is praised for her “fantastic client skills”.
Tone Oeyen is celebrated for his “well-founded understanding of antitrust law” and “ample experience in coordinating global antitrust cases”.

 

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Patrick Bock is held in high esteem as a “specialist in competition issues pertaining to high-tech” and is noted for “steering complex multi-jurisdictional filings flawlessly”.
Richard Pepper garners plaudit for his “practical approach” and is “excellent at managing across different jurisdictional requirements”.
Séverine Schrameck comes “highly recommended” by peers who deem her a “superstar in the making”, and add that she is “superb at handling European and French competition law cases”.
Frédéric de Bure has amassed considerable experience in merger control cases, with extensive experience before the European and French authorities.

 

Baker McKenzie

Nicolas Kredel is “very knowledgeable and offers comprehensive advice on a range of competition issues”. He draws praise for his “very client-orientated approach and ability to meet expectations with ease”.
Christian Burholt is recognised for the breadth of his experience in merger control and antitrust matters, and is revered for his “specialisation in the healthcare sector”.
Francesca Richmond draws recommendations as an “experienced cartel lawyer and litigator” who is “pleasant and professional to deal with”.
Alberto Escudero is endorsed for his “very accurate and strong command of competition law” by clients who add, “He is great to work with.”

 

Latham & Watkins

David Little enjoys a strong reputation in the London market and is commended for his “incredible knowledge of the competition landscape, especially in highly challenging and sophisticated cases”.
Adrien Giraud receives glowing praise as “an extremely reliable lawyer with huge experience”, with clients saying he “constructive, efficient and clear” in his advice.
Sebastian Max Hauser is an impressive practitioner, acclaimed for combining “thorough analysis with a pragmatic approach” and “offering solutions that work in practice”.

 

Linklaters

Natura Gracia is championed as “a regulated industries specialist” with a “strong and varied practice”.
Rachel Hetherington is held in awe for her “sharp insight and practical manner”, and shines for her ability to “cut to the core of every complicated issue”.
Annamaria Mangiaracina is a “well-established partner on the Brussels scene” who is “known for securing complex cross-border merger clearances”.

 

Other leading individuals

 

Austria

Christine Dietz of Binder Grösswang is “fantastic to work with” and brings significant value to clients, some of whom namecheck her as “our preferred Austrian counsel for merger control matters”.

Belgium

Elvira Aliende Rodriguez of Shearman & Sterling is celebrated as “one of the leading members of the firm’s competition group” and highlighted for her “excellent subject matter knowledge”.

Charlotte Breuvart at Jones Day is noted for her “solution-driven approach” and high-level experience, which “allows her to anticipate and come up with innovative solutions”.

Andrea Hamilton at McDermott Will & Emery is “strategic in her thinking, and pragmatic in her advice”. She is credited with “a talent for making complicated processes somewhat easy to navigate”.

England

Ruchit Patel at Ropes & Gray is revered as an “skilled, flexible and sharp-minded competition law expert” who is “able to coordinate complex projects”.

Annie Herdman of Kirkland & Ellis International is noted for her great “capacity to quickly understand the client’s business and form credible views”.

Edward Coulson at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner wins high praise for “building up the contentious practice at the firm” and is noted for doing an “excellent job in the trucks cartel litigation”.

Richard Pike of Constantine Cannon is a widely respected practitioner with a “great command of competition litigation cases before the CMA and the CAT”.

France

Katrin Schallenberg of Clifford Chance Europe is a top-tier practitioner who advises on antitrust investigations related to cartel infringement and abuse of dominance matters.

Frédéric Fuchs at Ayache Salama is a seasoned competition expert, and a key adviser to major corporates on global competition matters.

Emmanuel Reille of Gide Loyrette Nouel is regarded as a “young and really promising lawyer”, with an impressive profile that demonstrates strong expertise in merger control.

Germany

Moritz Holm-Hadulla at Gleiss Lutz draws praise for his “very thorough and sharp analysis” which he applies when navigating clients through investigations and damages litigation.

Sascha Dethof of Fieldfisher is an “absolutely fantastic practitioner” with a specialised competition practice concentrating on the digitalisation sector, including blockchain and B2B internet platforms.

 

Europe – Non-Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Foad Hoseinian, Sullivan & Cromwell – Brussels
• Ingo Klauß, Linklaters – Düsseldorf
• Isabel Oest, Commeo – Frankfurt
• Michael Mayr, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton – Cologne
• Andrea Pomana , Debevoise & Plimpton – Frankfurt
• Sibel Yilmaz, Linklaters – Brussels

 

Leading firms

 

Linklaters

Sibel Yilmaz garners plaudits for her “tremendous experience advising private equity and fund clients on M&A deals” and has also done “excellent work on the pharma excessive pricing cases in the UK”.
Helen Crossley is a “very experienced and highly intelligent practitioner” who “plays an integral role in significant transactions and has a wide array of strong client relationships”.
Ingo Klauß is revered as a “very thorough and knowledgeable practitioner” who has “recently worked on some important transactions for international clients”.
Meredith Brooks is a widely respected figure in the market, deemed “particularly strong in UK merger clearance cases”.

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Maria Dreher is a “very broad-minded and inventive practitioner” with a particular focus on handling complex merger filings and cartel proceedings.
Alvaro Pliego Selie is “remarkably experienced and effective, which allows him to exceed his clients’ expectations”, according to clients.
Maren Tamke is regarded as a “fantastic and very aspiring young lawyer”, with excellent know-how in dominance cases and cartel investigations.
According to impressed sources, Jennifer Mellott “always impresses with her deep understanding of competition law, as well as clients’ businesses and industries”.
François Gordon draws praise for his “profound knowledge of merger control proceedings” and is “well experienced in complex multi-jurisdictional merger cases”.

 

Other leading individuals

 

Austria

Stefanie Stegbauer at Schoenherr Attorneys at Law is a “smart lawyer” who “finds pragmatic solutions and clearly understands the economic needs of clients’ businesses”.

Belgium

Stéphane Dionnet at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is recognised for his “extremely broad experience and knowledge in all areas of EU competition law”, and his ability “to solve most complicated issues, always with efficiency”.

Foad Hoseinian of Sullivan & Cromwell is touted as “one of the great minds in Brussels” and excellent when it comes to handling mergers of complex behavioural cases or challenging litigation.

Anthemis Economou at Latham & Watkins is looked upon with enormous favour for being “efficient and knowledgeable” and for “understanding the wants and needs of the client without the client even having to communicate them”.

Leonardo Armati of BonelliErede is a seasoned practitioner on EU competition law, with a concentration in investigations and compliance matters.

England

Elizabeth Jordan at Slaughter and May is a “superstar in the making” and a “fabulous competition litigator”.

Michael Engel at Sullivan & Cromwell is consistently lauded as “a highly recommended competition lawyer who gives sound and intelligent legal advice, and is very thorough and methodical”.

Andrew North of Herbert Smith Freehills possesses “fantastic expertise in the communications and other regulated industries, with a strong contentious practice”.

Étienne Renaudeau at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is esteemed as “a consummate professional who handles very complex matters consistently and expertly”.

Germany

Isabel Oest at Commeo wins glowing praise as a practitioner who “never gives up and is an expert in many industries”. One impressed client adds, “Isabel is the lawyer you want to have on your side.”

Michael Mayr of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is highly visible in the market and regarded as an “intelligent and reliable counsel”, with peers adding, “He is always pleasant to work with.”

Andrea Pomana at Debevoise & Plimpton is fêted as an “outstanding antitrust lawyer” with “deep expertise in antitrust and compliance investigations, and abuse of dominant position cases”.

Iris Benedikt-Buckenleib of Gleiss Lutz has profound competition knowledge and is “one of the favourite choices for German-focused merger control and antitrust advice”.

Stefanie Budde at Hengeler Mueller is hailed as a “very clever and experienced practitioner” and “always a pleasure to work with”.

Spain

María Begoña Barrantes at Clifford Chance is celebrated as a “highly regarded practitioner in the Spanish market” who peers “greatly appreciate collaborating with”.

Switzerland

Frank Bremer of Schellenberg Wittmer is “a brilliant lawyer with great analytical skills, and is extremely pleasant to work with”, report market commentators.

 

North-America – Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Daniel P Culley, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton – Washington, DC
• Chris Hersh, Cassels Brock & Blackwell – Toronto
• Karen Kazmerzak, Sidley Austin – Washington, DC
• Leigh Oliver, Hogan Lovells – Washington, DC
• David Rosner, Goodmans – Toronto
• Amanda Wait, Norton Rose Fulbright – Washington, DC

 

Leading firms

 

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Daniel Culley is recognised for his first-rate practice, which encompasses antitrust litigation and counselling, and has much experience appearing before the state and federal courts.
Kenneth Reinker has an impressive antitrust profile with a wealth of experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

 

Latham & Watkins

Jason Cruise is praised for his sweeping antitrust knowledge and vast experience appearing before the DOJ and the FTC. Peers add, “He is a pleasure to work with.”
Farrell Malone enjoys a marvellous reputation in the market for his competition practice, and has a wealth of experience in investigation and enforcement matters in the US and globally.
Belinda Lee is lauded for her “excellent judgement and great instincts for developing arguments and facts that will resonate for a jury”.

 

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Wendy Huang Waszmer is touted for being “pragmatic, very business-orientated, and extremely experienced in high-profile antitrust audits and investigations”.
Jamillia Ferris is “one of the few people who has extensive experience with both the FCC and the DOJ”, comment peers. She “has managed countless merger and conduct cases and is widely regarded as one of the best around”.
Jeff VanHooreweghe draws praise for having “established an exemplary west-coast criminal antitrust practice”. Sources add: “There really are no others who compete competently against him.”

Axinn Veltrop & Harkrider

Rachel Adcox is renowned as “an excellent defence lawyer” who is “really excellent and active” in cartel matters in particular.
Jeny Maier garners praise as “an excellent attorney and a wonderful person”, and has extensive experience counselling clients in complex M&A transactions.
Nicholas Gaglio is an “incredibly practical lawyer” who is able to “navigate difficult spaces with a real grace”, effuse impressed peers.

Hogan Lovells

Leigh Oliver is revered as a prominent name in the US antitrust community with “an impressive track record in the life sciences industry”.
Kathryn Hellings is endorsed for her “superb track record” and her “great handling of cartel investigations in the US and South America”.
Meghan Rissmiller is “well respected by regulators”, and recognised for her “strong control of detail and resilient approach”.

 

Other leading individuals

 

Canada

Chris Hersh of Cassels Brock & Blackwell is commended as a “thorough and experienced litigator”, with a wealth of experience in all elements of competition law.

David Rosner at Goodmans garners plaudits for “always being on top of the latest developments in competition law and policy”.

USA

Amanda Wait of Norton Rose Fulbright stands out due to her “deep industry experience” and “her impressive knowledge about all things antitrust”.

The “incredibly bright” Karen Kazmerzak at Sidley Austin has an impressive competition practice and “always does a great job for her clients.”

Creighton Macy at Baker McKenzie is “an outstanding lawyer” who “shines above the rest” due to his first-rate cartel and merger control-related practice.

 

North-America – Non-Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Ellen Frye, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett – New York
• Richard Snyder, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer – Washington, DC
• Daniel Sokol, White & Case – Washington, DC

 

Leading firms

 

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Richard Snyder receives glowing praise from peers who effuse, “He is whip-smart and rigorous in his analysis.” He is particularly noted for his expertise in cross-border transactions.
Jan Rybnicek is acclaimed as “a very experienced practitioner with a perfect understanding and perception of clients’ needs”.

 

Other leading individuals

 

Canada

Joshua Chad of McMillan is “a knowledgeable, diligent and creative thinker with growing a profile at the bar and a strong competition law mindset”.

Zirjan Derwa at Torys is hailed as a “rising star of the Canadian bar”. Clients have gained “a very positive impression of him due to his work on merger control and foreign investment”.

USA

Ellen Frye of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has “handled numerous complex matters and is an expert at foreign filings and major transactions”. Peers effuse, “She is incredibly professional and great to work with.”

Daniel Sokol at White & Case is venerated as a “future leader” in the competition market, with profound experience gained over an array of highly complex cases.

Lindsey Vaala of Vinson & Elkins has an impressive antitrust practice, advising companies in litigation and investigations. In particular, say peers, she is “well versed in cartels”.

Franco Castelli at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz is a standout practitioner with immense knowledge of competition law, and a focus on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions.

Lauren Rackow of Cahill Gordon & Reindel is a “fantastic lawyer with deep knowledge of US merger control” An impressed peer adds: “I enjoyed collaborating with her on tricky issues.”

Vadim Brusser at Weil Gotshal & Manges is hailed as “one of the leading experts on the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and routinely secures clearance for major, multibillion-dollar transactions”.

Deidre Johnson at Ropes & Gray is a “specialist in merger filings”, earning praise for her “to-the-point” approach. One peer adds: “She is a definite inclusion.”
Simone Waterbury is well versed in advising corporates under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and has extensive experience in merger clearances across the globe.

 

Asia-Pacific – Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Bharat Budholia , AZB & Partners – Mumbai
• Suruyn Kim, Lee & Ko – Seoul
• Alyssa Phillips, Ashurst – Brisbane
• Madoka Shimada, Nishimura & Asahi – Tokyo

 

Leading firms

 

Ashurst

Alyssa Phillips is commended for her “great command of merger control matters in Australia, particularly in the energy and healthcare sectors”.
Ross Zaurrini is a “delight to work with and has a strong following”. He draws praise for “his ability to quickly understand the intricacies of an industry”, and “is not afraid to stop and challenge you”.

 

Baker McKenzie

Kurt Haegeman is endorsed for “his excellent experience in competition matters” and is also revered for his “incredible business acumen and adaptability”.
Junya Ae possesses “an abundance of professional knowledge and extensive experience on competition law”, which is “complemented by his global outlook”.
In the firm’s Hong Kong office, Stephen Crosswell receives accolades for his “huge knowledge of the telecommunication and media sectors” with “a deep understanding of the bigger picture, including how the regulator works”.

Lee & Ko

Jeong-Ho Sun is held in high regard for his “excellent technical skills and experience in all competition matters”.
Suruyn Kim is revered for her “in-depth knowledge of all major areas of Korean competition law including cartels and dominance cases” with “extensive experience in complex merger filing cases”.

 

Other leading individuals

 

Australia

Robert Walker of Allens is celebrated as a “highly skilled and technically strong consumer and competition law specialist”. Clients have “no hesitation with Robert working directly with business leads such as the CEO and the CFO”, due to his “sound advice”.

China

Mingfang Gong at JunHe has “an impressive relationship with MOFCOM and has offered helpful insights in difficult cases and tricky strategic issues in merger reviews”.

India

Bharat Budholia at AZB & Partners impresses clients with his ability “to give clear and business-orientated advice” and is praised for being able to “craft effective litigation strategy”.

Aparna Mehra of Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co is “extremely experienced” and formidable in merger control matters. “She knows the ins and outs of the CCI,” say sources.

Anshuman Sakle at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas is a highly regarded lawyer, noted for his “excellent command on merger control matters”.

Japan

Madoka Shimada at Nishimura & Asahi is touted as “an enthusiastic lawyer who seeks to be at the top of the profession and is good at spotting issues and suggestions solutions”.

 

Asia-Pacific – Non-Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Maria Hajiyerou, Kim & Chang – Seoul
• Ruth C A Higgins SC, Banco Chambers – Sydney
• Seung Hwan (Miles) Chung, Kim & Chang – Seoul
• Deniz Özkan, Paksoy – Istanbul
• Marcus Pollard, Linklaters – Hong Kong

 

Leading firms

 

Baker McKenzie

Thomas Jenkins is looked upon with enormous favour as “an excellent practitioner with in-depth experience in Hong Kong and EU competition laws”.
Laura Liu has “amassed years of experience practising competition law in China”, comment sources who highlight his “experience working with both domestic and international law firms” as a notable strength.
Michio Suzuki is hailed as a “very responsive and knowledge lawyer”, with invaluable insights on a range of antitrust matters including cartels and distribution.

Kim & Chang

Seung Hwan (Miles) Chung is held in high regard for his “masterful substantive knowledge” and his “understanding of the inner workings of regulators”.
Maria Hajiyerou “is an outstanding communicator” who is “excellent at explaining complex Korean legal concepts in a readily understandable way to non-Korean clients unfamiliar with the local landscape”.
Tae Hyuk Ko is renowned for “prudently analysing issues and suggesting the best solutions”, with clients praising his “ability to anticipate potential risks”.

Other leading individuals

 

Australia

Ruth Higgins SC of Banco Chambers is an “absolutely excellent barrister” and “a go-to for competition matters”.

China

Xi Liao at Zhao Sheng Law Firm is noted for his “comprehensive and meticulous antitrust analysis, due to his professional knowledge of antitrust laws”.

India

Vijay Chauhan of Platinum Partners draws praise for his “sound knowledge on merger control issues”. He “always goes the extra mile for clients and is always well prepared”.

Turkey

Deniz Özkan at Paksoy is commended for “simplifying information, which enables laypeople to understand and absorb it”. Sources add, “He provides the best-quality service.”

Hong Kong

Marcus Pollard at Linklaters is celebrated as a “phenomenal competition lawyer” with “in-depth knowledge of a number of South Asian competition regimes”.

New Zealand

Michael Tilley of Bell Gully is a “highly skilled lawyer” and “extremely well versed in all aspects of New Zealand competition law”.

 

Latin America – Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Santiago Del Rio, Marval O’Farrell & Mairal – Buenos Aires
• Ana Bátia Glenk, Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados – São Paulo
• Pedro Rencoret Gutiérrez, Pellegrini & Cía – Santiago
• José Miguel Huerta, Claro y Cia – Santiago

 

Leading firm

 

Mattos Filho Veiga Filho Marrey Jr e Quiroga Advogados

Michelle Marques Machado is “most definitely a future leader”, report interviewees. She is “well regarded, increasingly visible, and an up-and-coming antitrust practitioner in Brazil”.
Renata Zuccolo “possesses strong, all-round competition law expertise” and draws praise for her “very client-focused approach, and for always providing insightful and practical advice”.

Other leading individuals

 

Argentina

Santiago Del Rio of Marval O’Farrell & Mairal is widely respected in the market and is highlighted for his “professionalism, diligence and understanding of the realities of the industry”.

Brazil

Ricardo Franco Botelho at Marchini Botelho Caselta Advogados is hailed as a “young and promising lawyer” with “very good expertise in unilateral conducts and regulatory issues”.

Ana Bátia Glenk at Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is celebrated for her “business-friendly ideas for resolving antitrust issues”.

Luís Nagalli of Advocacia José Del Chiaro is regarded as “one of the strongest young competition lawyers in Brazil” and “a growing presence on the other side in merger review cases”.

Adriana Giannini at Tauil & Chequer Advogados in association with Mayer Brown is commended for her “pragmatic recommendations” and is said to be “particularly well versed in merger control matters”.

Chile

José Miguel Huerta of Claro y Cia is revered as a “superb competition law attorney” by peers who highlight his “meticulous approach”.

Pedro Rencoret Gutiérrez at Pellegrini & Cía has an “impeccable knowledge of the law and is always accurate in his legal views”, which he combines with his “business-driven approach”.

Mexico

Patricio Martínez O of Creel Abogados is “an excellent lawyer and one of the top choices in Mexico”. He “brings a high level of service and is familiar with the authorities”.

 

Latin America – Non-Partners

Most Highly Regarded

• Ignacio Cesar Mora, Marval O’Farrell & Mairal – Buenos Aires

 

Other leading individuals

 

Argentina

Ignacio Cesar Mora of Marval O’Farrell & Mairal is a “very talented lawyer” with “excellent communication and analytical skills”.

Colombia

Nicolás Cardona Baquero of Brigard & Urrutia Abogados is a “remarkable lawyer” who “focuses on the key aspects required to get deals through, with a great understanding of competition law economics”.

Chile

José Pardo at Carey has “fantastic international experience and understands the commercial reality of international transactions”.

José Luis Corvalan of Barros & Errázuriz Abogados is commended for his “impressive knowledge” and his ability to “deep-dive to understand a client’s business”.

Ecuador

Mario Navarrete-Serrano of Pérez Bustamante & Ponce is distinguished for his “deep knowledge of the local regulations”, as well as his “excellent reputation with the antitrust authorities”.