Department profile
Covington & Burling LLP

Competition Law: Litigation

Global Guide 2026 : UK

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Covington & Burling LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition Law: Litigation - UK

Band 5

What the Team is Known For

Covington & Burling is involved in a number of large multi-jurisdictional merger clearance mandates, often in cooperation with its offices in the US and Brussels. The team has additional experience advising clients on claims of anti-competitive behaviour and other CMA investigations. Team members also assist clients with foreign direct investment filings and litigation related to damages claims and class actions. It is a popular choice with clients from the pharmaceutical, sporting and technology sectors.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Covington & Burling defended Deutsche Telekom in a claim brought by the administrators of Phone 4U, alleging that the client, along with other UK mobile network operators, conspired to put Phones 4U out of business.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Every Covington competition lawyer we have worked with has been engaged, knowledgeable, and responsive.

    Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • The team has strong legal knowledge and also takes a very commercial approach.

    Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • The team is extremely skilled in handling complex anti-trust matters spanning across multiple jurisdictions and competition regimes.

    Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • The competition lawyers at Covington & Burling understand commercial fact-patterns and can explain regulations and exemptions in a digestible way.

    Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • Covington & Burling's responsiveness and real understanding of how the business works means they have developed a highly attuned radar to what the real risks are for the business.

    Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Mark Simpson
    Mark Simpson

    Mark Simpson

    Mark Simpson has a strong contentious practice, defending clients in high-profile collective proceedings and follow-on damages actions. He is a particularly popular choice with clients from the financial services sector. Mark Simpson moved to Cooley in April 2024.

    • Mark Simpson is very commercial, very sharp and very quick.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Mark Simpson is hugely collaborative and that makes him a more effective lawyer. He brings together all the different elements and issues in a way that allows him to be very impactful.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Mark Simpson is absolutely excellent. He is a really good litigator and is good to work with.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Mark Simpson is a fantastic client partner; he's really good at building a rapport with clients and making them feel like he’s on their side.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Mark is very experienced and client-centric. He is a pleasure to work with.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • Louise Freeman
    Louise Freeman

    Louise Freeman

    Louise Freeman represents defendants in high-profile class actions and damages actions arising from cartel investigations. She regularly assists clients from the telecoms, technology and finance sectors.

    • Louise brings competition litigation expertise to the team and she is a really clever and clear thinker.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Louise is absolutely outstanding. She delivers a Rolls Royce level service and clients have supreme confidence in her.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Louise Freeman is one of the savviest litigators in London. She has very strong strategic and technical nous.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • Louise really impressive. She has great instincts and is good with clients.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal
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  • James Marshall
    James Marshall

    James Marshall

    James Marshall of Covington & Burling assists clients with merger clearance and foreign direct investment notifications. He is well equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional mandates.

    • He is very responsive, pragmatic and a pleasure to deal with.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • James Marshall is very helpful. He understands our way of working and risk appetite. He doesn't over complicate things and suggests practical solutions that will work with our situation.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • James Marshall is the most responsive lawyer I have ever worked with and he is incredibly knowledgeable, asking insightful questions that demonstrate a deep understanding of the issues.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal

    • His documents are well drafted advice and he is responsive to requests for support.

      Competition Law: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Covington & Burling LLP (3)

UK

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