The Legal 500

Within Competition, Sidley Austin LLP is a third tier firm,

Sidley Austin LLP’s Brussels office assisted AON on its notification to the EC of its $4.9bn acquisition of Hewitt Associates. Stephen Kinsella, who is ‘excellent’ in all respects, splits his time between London and Brussels, and has played a key role in a number of major EU cartel investigations. He continues to handle abuse of dominance issues for Microsoft and advised the EC on several appeals relating to the copper fittings cartel case. Antitrust expert Maarten Meulenbelt joined in March 2011, and subsequently advised Air Products and Europe Container Terminals on Article 102 and 106 cases.

Within Customs, trade, WTO and anti-dumping, Sidley Austin LLP is a first tier firm,

For some, ‘no other firms match the qualifications and expertise’ of Sidley Austin LLP in the trade arena and it has a ‘tremendous pool of talent’. The practice covers the spectrum of trade issues, and recently advised SAB Miller on the strategy, design and development of classification criteria for alcohol for customs purposes. The ‘outstanding’ Arnoud Willems heads the practice, and ‘stays ahead of the game’. Richard Weiner, who divides his time between Washington DC and Brussels, is also recommended. The group also includes a senior trade policy adviser (non lawyer).

Within Chemicals (REACH), Sidley Austin LLP is a first tier firm,

Sidley Austin LLP has extensively advised the nickel industry on chemical regulations and the Nickel Institute is a major client. Key contact Kristina Nordlander also acted for Rio Tinto Minerals in General Court litigation concerning the substance authorisation.

Within Environment (including WEEE and RoHS), Sidley Austin LLP is a first tier firm,

Sidley Austin LLP represents key players in the nickel industry on environmental matters and recently advised ENRC on compliance issues arising from its climate change review. Unifrax is also a client. Kristina Nordlander and Maurits Lugard head the group.

Within Food , Sidley Austin LLP is a first tier firm,

Displaying ‘real business acumen in the field’, Sidley Austin LLP is ‘excellent in all parameters’ of food regulation. Key areas of focus include health claims, food safety and the traceability of genetically modified organisms (GMO). Maurits Lugard, who shows a ‘true interest in clients’, recently acted as local counsel for Herbalife. Arnoud Willems recently advised chocolate producer Barry Callebaut.

Within Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology , Sidley Austin LLP is a first tier firm,

Sidley Austin LLP added significant weight to its practice by recruiting Maarten Meulenbelt from Howrey LLP. He brought to the practice a number of prominent pharmaceuticals clients and a wealth of experience in the life sciences sector. Regulation of GMOs, clinical trials and medical devices are areas of focus for the team.

Within Media and entertainment, Sidley Austin LLP is a second tier firm,

Sidley Austin LLP’s ‘very responsive and customer-focused’ group advises on EU and competition aspects of media and entertainment cases. Clients include AOL, and BSkyB. Ken Daly is recommended for his expertise, which spans sports, film, music and broadcasting.