Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP remains one of the UK’s most prominent defence-side competition litigation firms, highly regarded for its work on collective proceedings and multi-jurisdictional damages actions. The team is particularly active in defending clients in collective actions at both the certification and substantive stages, representing major corporate clients. The firm’s leading position in carriage disputes, in particular, underscores the group’s strong capabilities in complex procedural competition law. Co-chair Stephen Wisking, a qualified solicitor advocate, has appeared as counsel before the CAT, covering a broad range of issues. Fellow co-chair Kim Dietzel, also a solicitor advocate, has particular expertise in litigation before the CMA and the European Commission.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent team, very strong partners with a superb associate bench.'
‘Stephen Wisking - intellectually very strong but always with a focus on the needs of the case. Kim Dietzel - superb advocate, on top of all the detail on massively complex cases, while being able to simultaneously make the right strategic calls. Joe Williams - hugely able, sharp, and creative in making the best arguments. ’
‘Very experienced and effective on the defence side, particularly in the tech space. Kim Dietzel and Stephen Wisking are very effective.'
‘Kim and Stephen are excellent.'
‘Accessibility, responsiveness, subject expertise and practical advice.’
‘Stephen Wisking - expert and well-respected in the field of competition. Joe Williams is a standout.'
Key clients
- Motorola
- Meta Platforms
- Amazon.com
- Google LLC
- Iveco Group
- Roland Corporation
- Severn Trent plc
- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
- Virgin Atlantic Airways
Work highlights
Advising Meta in respect of a collective action brought in the CAT by Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen on behalf of an alleged class of c. 45 million Facebook users.
Advising Amazon on its defence of two CPO applications.
Advising Google in relation to collective proceedings brought by AdTech Collective Action LLP.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Stephen Wisking
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Joe Williams
Practice head
Stephen Wisking; Kim Dietzel
Other key lawyers
Rachel Lidgate; Gregg Rowan; James Farrell; Natalia Rodriguez; Joe Williams; Suzy Campbell; Helen Bignall