Stephen Smith
Bristows LLPRenowned for its ‘unparalleled experience in handling matters at the interface with IP’, Bristows LLP advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious competition matters, with a proven track record of representing clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. Practice head Sophie Lawrance is a key contact for clients in the technology and pharmaceutical industries, offering specialised guidance on competition law issues, including licensing standard essential patents. Stephen Smith maintains a busy practice, advising clients on a wide array of EU and UK competition law matters across the life sciences, financial services, retail, telecommunications, and technology sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Interactions with senior partners and associates are relaxed and friendly, which in turn creates an atmosphere conducive to effective working relationships between client and the competition practice.'
'Stephen Smith, Francion Brooks and Victoria Yuan are all highly knowledgeable, experienced and provide superb advice.'
'The team is always approachable and willing to spend time understanding client concerns. Their ability to assess commercial practices in the context of competition law parameters is impressive.'
‘Excellent team to deal with. Good practical and pragmatic advice.’
‘Mark Brown, Stephen Smith and Victoria Yuan provided practical and efficient advice on the matter, and operated seamlessly as a team.’
‘Excellent team, with unparalleled experience in handling matters at the interface with IP. They are regularly active in leading FRAND cases. The go-to shop for these matters and in general high tech competition advice.'
‘Pat Treacy is a legend. Sophie Lawrance is also exceptional.'
Key clients
- Arbor Education Partners Limited
- Bestway Group / Well Pharmacy
- CityFibre
- Iivari Mononen Oy
- Joyson Auto Safety S.A.
- Morningside
- Ocado Retail
- Panasonic Corporation
- Samsung Electronics Co Limited
- Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
- Sure Guernsey Limited
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Wayfair
Work highlights
- Providing ongoing strategic advice on numerous matters for CityFibre in its rollout of a national challenger full fibre network to BT Openreach.
- Advising Sure (Guernsey) Limited on the merger control and public interest aspects of its acquisition of Airtel in the Channel Islands.
- Advised Bestway on its acquisition of Lexon in a fast-track phase 1 with remedies.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sophie Lawrance