Dentons’ competition team has a strong track record in guiding clients through the full life cycle of competition law matters. With robust experience across both contentious and non-contentious work, the team works with clients from a wide range of sectors, including the energy, retail, manufacturing, transport, and financial services spaces. Keys services include advice on merger control, foreign direct investment, dawn raid compliance, subsidy control, and public procurement. Michael Dean, who is vastly experienced in all facets of competition law, from dawn raids and cartel investigations to merger clearances and vertical agreements, heads the practice. Melanie Martin leads on non-contentious competition matters and subsidy control issues, while Carolyn Burns is a trusted adviser to clients across both public and private sector mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Carolyn Burns provides deep experience, drawing upon expertise to provide pragmatic and real-world advice, customised to our business needs.’
- ‘Dentons have a strong competition practice. As well as providing us with high-quality advice on a range of matters, the team are very proactive in promoting learning and development opportunities.’
- 'Michael Dean is a leader in his field, providing technical advice targeted to the context of the business.'
- 'Melanie Martin has consistently provided technically complex competition advice in practical, bitesize pieces which we were able to relay within the business.'
- 'Clear advice even when necessarily nuanced, delivered in a down to earth and direct way much appreciated by executives. An excellent sounding board.'
- 'Friendly, direct and clear whilst never dumbing down or oversimplifying matters. Genuine industry knowledge.'
Key clients
- Stagecoach Group
- Merck KGaA
- Mercedes-Benz Group AG
- UK Government
- Storegga
- KPS Capital Partners LP
- Menzies Aviation
- The Edrington Group Limited
- Alexander Dennis
- Manolo Blahnik
Work highlights
Represented SSWT in the first standalone collective proceedings in the UK, securing a precedent-setting settlement without liability.
Advised the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on the new regulatory regime for the new Independent System Operator and Planner and the acquisition of National Grid Electricity System Operator Limited to form the new entity, now known as NESO.
Advised Mercedes-Benz Group AG on the first follow-on claims brought in Scotland, which relate to the European Commission's Trucks decision.
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.
Next generation lawyers
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Carolyn Burns
Melanie Martin
Practice head
Michael Dean
Other key lawyers
Melanie Martin; Carolyn Burns