Clifford Chance LLP remains a leading player in high-stakes antitrust and competition litigation, with an exceptional trial record and expertise spanning both follow-on and standalone claims. The firm is widely recognised for its ability to manage complex, precedent-setting cases, supported by a core London team of dedicated litigators. Led by Samantha Ward, the firm is also regarded as a leading authority on CAT appeals against CMA decisions. Luke Tolaini is a key asset to the team, bringing 20 years of experience in antitrust investigations and litigation. Ben Jasper plays a central role in ongoing excessive pricing mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Luke Tolaini is one of London's savviest litigators, with a great nose for the winning point and the nous to form strategy and execute tactics to bring it home.'
'Ben Jasper is a phenomenon - his level of substantive knowledge, litigation nous, and work ethic make him unbeatable.'
'Nissim Massarano is also a rising star in this space and will be a big name in the market in years to come.'
‘Innovative, responsive and sharp, this team is an invaluable guide to the murky depths of antitrust law.'
‘Sam Ward - a superb lawyer with a deep knowledge and understanding of not only the law but the competition authorities and their leading individuals which enables her to provide tailored, actionable advice.'
‘Experienced and knowledgeable at every level. Efficient and highly effective.’
‘Sam Ward - shrewd, knowledgeable and committed, you would want Sam in your corner without question.'
'Clifford Chance’s competition litigation team is a formidable force. They have a deep bench of talented lawyers who combine regulatory experience with litigation savvy. They are particularly strong in matters with a multi-jurisdictional element, which they navigate with commercial acumen.'
'Excellent competition litigators. Very strong team at all levels.'
'They are unique in that their practice spans CMA appeals, large-scale follow-on actions, major standalone actions, and collective actions. No other firm has the same competition litigation scale and scope.'
Key clients
- BT
- Pfizer
- Cinven
- Wasserman
- CAA Base
- Citi
- Barclays
- Alpharma
- Xellia Pharmaceuticals
- Cermaq
Work highlights
Acted for EE in its successful defence of a high-profile claim brought on behalf of the administrators of Phones 4U.
Acted for leading talent agencies in challenging the implementation of new rules proposed by FIFA and the Football Association.
Representing Pfizer in the ongoing phenytoin litigation.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Samantha Ward
Other key lawyers
Luke Tolaini; Matthew Scully; Ben Jasper