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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in high-stakes competition law work for top global clients.
- Company: Join a prestigious U.S. law firm with a Tier 1 global antitrust practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive compensation and the chance to work on international cases.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of EU and UK competition law with direct partner engagement.
- Qualifications: 1-4 years of experience in competition law and a strong academic background required.
- Other info: Ideal for ambitious lawyers eager to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A prestigious U.S. law firm, consistently ranked at the very top of the global legal market, is looking to add an outstanding Competition Associate (1–4 PQE) to its dynamic and growing London team.
With a reputation for advising on some of the world’s most complex, high-value and closely scrutinised transactions, investigations, and disputes, this firm offers a rare opportunity for an ambitious associate to operate at the absolute forefront of EU and UK competition law. Its London antitrust practice works hand-in-glove with its Brussels and U.S. offices on major global mandates involving Fortune 100 companies, leading private equity sponsors, and sovereign clients across tech, pharma, finance, energy, and beyond.
The Role
You’ll be immersed in the full breadth of cutting-edge competition work, acting for some of the most sophisticated and high-profile clients in the market. Expect direct partner engagement, international collaboration, and headline-making matters from day one.
Your work will include:
- Merger control – Advising on the full lifecycle of merger reviews, from pre-notification strategy to navigating complex Phase I and Phase II proceedings before the UK CMA, European Commission, and other global competition authorities
- Behavioural matters – Working on sensitive and high-stakes investigations concerning anticompetitive agreements and abuse of dominance (Articles 101 and 102 TFEU), including dawn raids, internal audits, and strategic engagement with regulators
- Multi-jurisdictional matters – Coordinating global antitrust filings and strategies across Europe, North America, and Asia, often involving parallel investigations and regulatory reviews
- Strategic advisory work – Providing commercially tailored advice on distribution agreements, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, and compliance frameworks
- Litigation support – Collaborating with litigation teams on cartel defence, follow-on damages claims, and appeals before the EU courts and UK Competition Appeal Tribunal
The Ideal Candidate
This role will appeal to an intellectually curious, commercially sharp, and globally minded lawyer looking to build a high-profile career in competition law at one of the most respected legal institutions in the world.
You will ideally bring:
- Between 1 and 4 years’ post-qualification experience in competition/antitrust law, ideally gained at a top-tier international firm or competition boutique
- A strong foundation in both transactional and behavioural competition law, including familiarity with the merger control process and experience advising on Articles 101 and 102
- An outstanding academic background, with credentials from a leading university (Oxbridge, Ivy League, or equivalent strongly preferred)
- A collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment
- Exceptional communication skills and a keen interest in cross-border legal strategy and business dynamics
Competition Lawyer employer: Buchanan Law
Contact Detail:
Buchanan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Competition Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the competition law field. Attend industry events, seminars, and webinars to meet lawyers and experts who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at top firms like us.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on recent developments in EU and UK competition law. Follow relevant legal publications and blogs to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions, showing that you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider seeking out internships or work placements in competition law, even if they are short-term. Gaining practical experience will not only enhance your CV but also give you valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a Competition Associate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising case studies related to merger control and behavioural matters. Being able to discuss real-world scenarios and your approach to solving complex legal issues will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Competition Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in competition law, particularly any work related to merger control and behavioural matters. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for competition law and your desire to work at a top-tier firm. Mention specific cases or projects you've worked on that align with the firm's focus areas, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with high-profile clients.
Showcase Academic Credentials: Given the emphasis on a strong academic background, ensure you clearly list your qualifications from leading universities. If you have any notable achievements or awards, include them to strengthen your application.
Highlight Communication Skills: In your application, emphasise your exceptional communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams or engaged with clients, especially in high-stakes situations, to demonstrate your fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buchanan Law
✨Know Your Competition Law
Make sure you have a solid understanding of both transactional and behavioural competition law. Brush up on Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, as well as the merger control process, so you can confidently discuss your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to competition law. Highlight your experience with merger reviews, investigations, or any multi-jurisdictional matters to demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As communication is key in this role, practice articulating complex legal concepts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain a recent case or regulatory change, so being able to convey your thoughts effectively will set you apart.
✨Research the Firm's Recent Work
Familiarise yourself with the firm's recent high-profile cases and their approach to competition law. This will not only show your genuine interest in the firm but also allow you to ask insightful questions during the interview.
