Latham & Watkins‘ competition team combines standout expertise in transactional and contentious matters at both national and European levels. The firm has a stellar track record in merger control, frequently advising on high-profile phase I and phase II French, EU and multi-jurisdictional filings, as well as on related FSR notifications. On the behavioural side, the team has extensive experience in cartel and abuse of dominance investigations, and in appeals and private enforcement cases before the French courts of all levels. Jacques-Philippe Gunther and Adrien Giraud lead the team, after former co-head Mathilde Saltiel left the firm in March 2026 alongside Laure Maes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Rigour, creativity, and a remarkable mastery of the most complex legal and operational issues are among the many qualities of this team. Their interactions with non-lawyer executives are particularly smooth and educational, and their presence alongside the legal department is a guarantee of success.'
- 'Jacques-Philippe Gunther is a formidable asset when it comes to tackling even the most complex legal issues. A skilled strategist, his support extends far beyond a mastery of competition law and its intricacies.'
- 'Super professional and very responsive team. Always available and proactive. Excellent at building a strategic approach adapted to the context, whether in consulting or litigation.'
- 'A pragmatic, available team with extensive experience. Reliable advice.'
- 'Extensive expertise on topics related to distribution, competition and consumer law.'
- 'The team under the enlightened and caring leadership of Adrien Giraud is excellent. Adrien combines in-depth knowledge of our sector of activity, technical expertise in competition law, and a human touch.'
Key clients
- Michelin
- Microsoft
- Orange
- EssilorLuxottica
- Ingram Micro
- L’Oréal
- Veolia
- Refresco
- Air France KLM
- PAI Partners
Work highlights
Secured a victory for Michelin before the General Court in its appeal of the lawfulness of dawn raids conducted by the EC related to an EC antitrust investigation on suspicion of price coordination between competitors, resulting in the General Court partially annulling the EC’s inspection decision.
Secured a victory for Expleo in relation to the cartel investigation into no-poach practices by the French Competition Authority.
Assisting Air France-KLM in a complaint with a request for interim measures against US-based parts supplier Woodward to the French Competition Authority over alleged anticompetitive practices in the aviation maintenance sector.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Jacques-Philippe Gunther; Adrien Giraud
Other key lawyers
Aliénor Estrade; Louis-Victor Sachs