Competition Associate

The Firm

A leading law firm with a strong reputation for cross-border work and a well-regarded culture. The London office works in close collaboration with a European counterpart, particularly in competition merger control and regulatory matters, providing associates with high exposure to both UK and EU workstreams.

The Practice

The competition group advises on merger control, investigations, private enforcement, behavioural counselling, foreign direct investment (FDI) screening, and new subsidy regulations. The London and European teams operate as an integrated bench, with associates frequently working across both offices.

Merger Control (Core Focus):

• Threshold analysis, multi-jurisdictional strategy, deal structuring and timing.
• Drafting merger filings, managing regulator requests, coordinating economists, and market assessments.
• Designing and negotiating remedies, including commitments, clean team arrangements, and monitoring structures.
• Integrating subsidy and FDI reviews into transaction strategy.

The Role:

• Run key workstreams on UK/EU merger filings.
• Map subsidy and FDI requirements into transaction timelines.
• Draft regulatory submissions and liaise directly with authorities.
• Provide behavioural and compliance advice on an ongoing basis.

Candidate Profile:

• 1–3 PQE with demonstrable UK/EU merger control experience.
• Familiarity with CMA and EC processes; confident in regulator-facing communication.
• Comfortable in a lean team environment with early responsibility and significant cross-border exposure.
• Collaborative working style and strong interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on team fit.

Matters:

• Payments/Fintech: merger filings and regulatory counselling for international clients.
• Aviation/Travel: European-led investigations.
• Technology, Life Sciences, Consumer, Automotive, Energy: regular involvement in mergers, FDI, and competition mandates.

Culture:

The group emphasises approachability and mentoring, with associates encouraged to take on responsibility earlier than in many comparable teams. The environment combines career progression with flexibility, supporting both technical growth and client-facing development.