England - London • Dispute resolution
Bristows LLP
The ‘excellent’ team at Bristows LLP specialises in the intersection between competition and IP matters, particularly in relation to the use of data, investigations, and FRAND licensing issues. Practice head Sophie Lawrance is an ‘expert' who maintains a pharmaceutical and tech-focused practice, often handling appeals in the Supreme Court; whilst the ’very knowledgeable and practical' Stephen Smith has broad knowledge spanning the full-range of both contentious and non contentious matters, including jurisdictional challenges and interventions in judicial reviews.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have worked extensively with this team, particularly Sophie Lawrance, and have found them excellent at grappling with complex issues, including novel legal issues, extensive historical facts, and complex quantum calculations. They are also very practical and commercial in their advice.’
‘Sophie is an expert in this field. There is no one that knows the facts of our case or the legal issues surrounding it as well as she does.’
‘The team is always totally on top of the detail and the logistics; well-organised, efficient and a complete pleasure to work with.’
‘Steve Smith is very commercial, knowledgeable and practical. He brings a note of calm to all situations.'
- 'Matthew Hunt really knows his stuff but is also an excellent organiser who will make things run seamlessly.’
‘The team has good industry knowledge and gives practical advice.’
Key clients
- CityFibre
- Morningside
- Samsung Electronics Co Limited
- Abingdon Health Plc
- Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry
- ZTE Corporation
Work highlights
- Acting for Google in a mixed standalone and follow-on damages claim related to the EU Shopping Decision which is moving into the Competition Appeal Tribunal following a significant case management hearing in early 2023.
- Advising CityFibre on numerous strategic issues in respect of its rollout of a national challenger full fibre to the home network to BT Openreach which has included a CAT Appeal and a Competition Act complaint before Ofcom.
- Acting for interveners in a UK Supreme Court appeal against the CMA brought by Pfizer and Flynn related to an important point on the recoverability of costs by appellants against CMA decisions.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sophie Lawrance