Maintaining relationships with a number of key corporate clients, Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP is well respected for its representation of claimants and defendants across all manner of competition litigation. ‘A top-rate team that runs on full steam’, the group is a key destination for clients engaged in both collective actions and cartel cases. ‘Hugely experienced in competition litigation, very sharp strategically and a fine lawyer’, Boris Bronfentrinker is noted for his capabilities in novel areas of competition law. Follow-on litigation, regulatory challenges, and cartel investigations are all mainstays of Elaine Whiteford‘s broad competition practice. Michelle Clark has niche experience concerning the increasing links between data protection and competition law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Boris Bronfentrinker is the smartest competition litigator in the City. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced and thinks of ideas that no one else would try. ’

  • ‘Hardcore litigators, with particular expertise in the area of collective actions.’

  • ‘Very experienced and knowledgeable in the area of collective actions.’

  • 'The best competition litigation practice in the City, covering both defence and claimant work. The team is led by the excellent Boris Bronfentrinker, and with three other talented partners (Nicola Chessaites, Elaine Whiteford and Michelle Clark). Hire them. Full Stop. If you want have a difficult case, need innovative ideas and creativity, and want the most effective team - choose Willkie - no one will fight harder to secure the best possible outcome. Their partners are also highly collaborative and work well together.'

  • ‘Boris Bronfentrinker - hugely experienced in competition litigation; very sharp strategically and a fine lawyer. Elaine Whiteford - also massively experienced, very knowledgeable, and a safe pair of hands for pretty much any issue.’

  • ‘This is a top-rate team that runs on full steam. Acting both for claimants and defendants gives them an important perspective on how cases are best run.’

  • ‘The team has an exceptional competition litigation practice. Outstanding expertise due to being active on both sides on many different cases - active and passive side re private enforcement. Strong focus on cartel damage claims. ’

  • 'Elaine Whiteford: exceptional lawyer, great strategic thinker, very efficient and highly responsive as well, a pleasure to work with.' 

Key clients

  • Cérélia
  • Expedia
  • Walter Merricks CBE

Work highlights

  • Ran novel arguments advocating for a client to secure permission to acquire a UK pastry and dough brand.
  • Litigating a GBP 10 billion consumer claim brought against Mastercard.
  • Engaged by a technology company to advise on a strategic competition risk mitigation project.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Boris Bronfentrinker

Other key lawyers

Elaine Whiteford, Nicola Chesaites, Michelle Clark, Adele Behles