Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to advise on prominent merger control and investigation mandates for leading clients in the infrastructure, technology, and financial sectors, helping clients to navigate competition risks across major transactions and disputes. Global head of competition Andrew Hockley remains heavily involved in merger clearance work. Chris Bryant primarily focuses on State aid, subsidy control, and public procurement matters. Christine Graham joined the firm in September 2025. Edward Coulson and Andrew Leitch both left the practice in February 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Highly skilled professionals, with a pragmatic and commercial approach. Simply put, any client would be lucky to have her on their side.'
- 'The professionalism and efficiency with which they handle each case reflect a deep understanding of both the legal landscape and our business needs.'
- 'Their contributions are not only invaluable but distinctly set them apart from their peers in the industry.’
- ‘Andrew Hockley is an outstanding leader in the field of competition law. Thanks to his extensive experience, he’s able to jump onto any issue or query much more quickly than any other lawyer I’ve worked with, and provide spot-on, strategic, and commercial advice.'
- 'Unsurprisingly, Andy’s team is also made up of exceptionally skilled professionals who take a very similar approach.'
- ‘Andrew Hockley and his team have an excellent knowledge of competition law and are always there to brainstorm and advise on complex competition law matters.’
- ‘Andrew Hockley and Graeme Thomas are always a joy to work with.'
- 'Work to understand our issue and then provide a proportionate response.'
- 'Andrew Hockley took the lead and delivered the key messages we were looking for in clear messages that were easy to understand and apply.'
- 'Exceptional service and availability at all times.'
Key clients
- Royal Mail
- BT
- easyJet
- Playtech
- Travelex
- Tesco
- Thames Water
- Canal +
- AIG
- Estée Lauder
Work highlights
Advised easyJet in earning approval from the European Commission as the “remedy taker” in connection with Lufthansa’s acquisition of ITA Airways.
Advising Thames Water in a series of high-profile Ofwat investigations into the operation of its wastewater assets.
Advising CANAL+ on all international competition, regulatory and FDI aspects of its $1.8bn acquisition of Multi-Choice Group.
Practice head
Andrew Hockley
Other key lawyers
Chris Bryant; Nicholas Young; Graeme Thomas; Christine Graham