Bristows LLP sets itself apart through its deep understanding of the technology and life sciences sectors, both of which are facing increasing scrutiny under UK competition law. Practice head Sophie Lawrance brings wide-ranging competition expertise across both contentious and non-contentious matters. Stephen Smith’s recent highlights include advising on a high-profile acquisition in the TMT sector, securing merger clearance in both the UK and Guernsey. Robert Vidal joined the team from Pinsent Masons LLP in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Bristows team are absolutely outstanding competition lawyers and litigators. They are highly expert, extremely experienced in all possible fields of competition analysis and disputes, and extremely astute at understanding and responding to client needs.'
- 'In particular, Sophie Lawrance is in my view one of the very best legal minds and litigators in the City.’
- 'Robert is a formidable force in the EU and Competition law world and the Competition Litigation world. He is hugely experienced in litigation both domestically and before the EU courts.'
- 'Bristows has become a very serious player in the competition market.’
- ‘The team provides excellent, pragmatic and timely advice. They are always happy to speak directly with my business colleagues and are able to explain complex concepts easily with lots of examples given the huge amount of experience between them.
- 'For the quality of the advice, I also find them to be very good value.’
Key clients
- The Key Group
- Brice Aggregates
- Bestway Group
- Panasonic Corporation
- Samsung Electronics
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Ocado Retail
- Sure Telecom
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- ZTE Corporation
- CityFibre
Work highlights
Advising Sure on the merger control and public interest aspects of its acquisition of Airtel in the Channel Islands.
Assisting a listed Asia-based client active in consumer electronics to respond to a complaint raised by a competitor to the European Commission.
Acting for Teva on a number of matters including advisory and litigation work.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sophie Lawrance
Other key lawyers
Stephen Smith; Robert Vidal; Sean-Paul Brankin; Edwin Bond; Francion Brooks