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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in high-stakes competition law work for top-tier clients globally.
- Company: Join an elite U.S. law firm renowned for its global antitrust practice.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive compensation and the chance to work on landmark cases.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally on complex legal matters and thrive in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of EU and UK competition law with direct partner engagement.
- Qualifications: 1-4 years PQE in competition law, strong academic credentials, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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 from top firms. This can help you gain insights into the firm’s culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on recent developments in EU and UK competition law. Follow relevant legal publications and blogs to understand current trends and landmark cases, which will help you engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your understanding of multi-jurisdictional matters. Familiarise yourself with how competition law operates across different regions, especially in Europe, North America, and Asia, as this knowledge is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific cases or experiences where you’ve dealt with merger control or behavioural matters. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will show your readiness for the challenges of the role.
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 your academic background and any notable achievements, and explain why you are a good fit for this role specifically.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, ensure that your communication skills shine through. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. This is especially important given the role's emphasis on collaboration and strategic advisory work.
Highlight International Experience: If you have any experience working on multi-jurisdictional matters or with international clients, be sure to include this in your application. It will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex global antitrust issues, which is crucial for this position.
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. Be prepared to discuss your experience with merger control processes and Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Academic Credentials
Highlight your academic background, especially if you come from a leading university. This firm values strong educational credentials, so be ready to discuss how your studies have prepared you for a career in competition law.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Discuss any experiences where you engaged with partners or collaborated on complex cases.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in high-stakes situations. Think about past experiences where you navigated challenging legal issues or worked on multi-jurisdictional matters, and be ready to articulate your thought process.