
Clifford Chance is the first port of call for a host of prominent multinationals – particularly in the tech, energy and pharmaceutical sectors – seeking advice on sophisticated competition matters at both the French and European levels. The team has significant expertise in complex merger control cases, FDI clearances and state aid matters, and also has a strong behavioural practice, frequently representing clients in sensitive antitrust investigations and related litigation. Offering a wealth of experience in merger control, David Tayar and Katrin Schallenberg steer the practice. Sara Ortoli and Clémence Carlier provide strong support.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Katrin Schallenberg: very responsive, precise and strategic advice, knows how to surround herself with the right people to collaborate with.
- 'The Clifford Chance global network really delivers when it comes to antitrust. The firm has a highly connected, extremely capable global team. David Tayar in Paris is superb at coordinating advice and thinking strategically across jurisdictions to deliver on transactions.'
- 'David Tayar and Clémence Carlier have an exceptional level of skill and expertise. In my opinion, this is the best team, both in the areas of state aid and national and EU competition law.'
- 'Very pragmatic in their approach. A responsive team that has an overarching perspective in the advice given and a much-appreciated "outside the box" approach. Always solution-oriented with real expertise in litigation strategy.'
- 'It is a true pleasure to work with David Tayar and Sara Ortoli. They have been my go-to advisers for antitrust matters for many years. Their responses are always fast, thorough, complete and business-focused. In addition to being experts in the field, they are also truly pleasant people to work with.'
- 'Katrin Schallenberg: very responsive, provides precise and strategic advice, and knows how to surround herself with the right people to collaborate with.'
- 'Clémence Carlier: exceptional maturity and technical skill for her level of experience.'
- 'The Clifford Chance team are truly unique as they feel in no time like direct colleagues within the company. They manage to learn about the business in a very short amount of time and they manage to grow a team of intelligent, hands-on and at the same time very pleasant people to work with.'
- 'Fantastic team, capable of delivering high-quality antitrust advice on a global basis. David Tayar and his team in the Paris office are highly responsive, commercial, and strategic. They work seamlessly across the Clifford Chance network, delivering timely and sensible advice.'
Key clients
- ADNOC
- Adobe
- Amazon
- Amazon Web Services
- Arcelor Mittal
- Ardian
- Airbus
- Ariane Group
- Arkema
- Axa
- Banque Postale
- BNP Paribas
- Brookfield Asset Management
- Carrefour
- Caisse Centrale de Réassurance
- Cintra Sarl
- Cisco
- Constellium SE
- Crédit Agricole / CACEIS / Amundi
- CSL Behring
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sara Ortoli
Clémence Carlier
Practice head
David Tayar; Katrin Schallenberg
Other key lawyers
Sara Ortoli; Clémence Carlier

