Department profile
Simmons & Simmons LLP

Competition Law

Global Guide 2026 : UK


Simmons & Simmons LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Simmons & Simmons LLP

Having represented corporates and individuals involved in investigations conducted by one or more of a range of bodies (including the European Commission and the national competition authorities in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the UK), we are leaders in this complex field.

We have the sector knowledge. Knowledge that allows our team to quickly develop a deep understanding of our client's business, guiding our defence strategy from the outset of an investigation. We have expertise in advising on investigations into hi-tech industries and the interface between intellectual property rights and competition law.

We have been involved in some of the largest and most high-profile investigations and complaint cases brought in front of the European Commission and national competition authorities in Europe, giving us insight that is hard to find. Paired with our global network and our hands-on experience of international cartel investigations, cutting edge abuse of dominance cases and in-depth merger investigations, we have the multi-jurisdictional expertise you need.

We also help develop effective compliance and audit programmes - including guidance and training on how to handle dawn raids.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Competition Law - UK

Band 5

Band 5


What the Team is Known For

Simmons & Simmons has experience in both contentious and non-contentious competition law matters. The law firm represents clients in damages claims, class actions and complaints of anti-competitive behaviour. The team often assists clients with the notification of mergers to the CMA.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Simmons & Simmons defended Google in a proposed opt-out collective proceeding at the CAT concerning alleged abusive conduct.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Simmons & Simmons is distinguished by its practical approach, wide territorial coverage and great team.

    Competition Law respondentGlobal
  • The lawyers work really closely with their clients, becoming an extension of the in-house team.

    Competition Law respondentGlobal
  • The lawyers were very responsive and provided hugely valuable input into the case strategy.

    Competition Law respondentGlobal
  • The team worked extremely hard to get on top of all of the documentary material, factual and expert evidence in a very big case.

    Competition Law respondentGlobal
  • Simmons & Simmons is strategically very sound and extremely commercial. The team is a pleasure to work with.

    Competition Law respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4Patrick Boylan
    Band 4Patrick Boylan

    Patrick Boylan

    Patrick Boylan is highly experienced in advising clients on high-stakes competition litigation and collective proceedings. He is notably sought after by clients in the life sciences and TMT sectors. He has experience representing both claimants and defendants.

    • Patrick Boylan is an expert in his field and a trusted partner.

      Competition Law respondentGlobal
    • He is an excellent black letter lawyer.

      Competition Law respondentGlobal
    • Patrick Boylan is realistic, pragmatic and commercial. He can stand back and see the realities and overview of the situation.

      Competition Law respondentGlobal
  • Band 5Sarah Smith
    Band 5Sarah Smith

    Sarah Smith

    Sarah Smith often acts for clients on CMA merger clearance investigations. She offers additional experience in appeals against regulatory decisions, frequently on behalf of clients in the pharmaceutical sector. She joined Simmons & Simmons in January 2025.

    • Sarah Smith is very switched on, has a lovely manner with clients and knows her stuff.

      Competition Law respondentGlobal
    • I rate her highly.

      Competition Law respondentGlobal
  • Associates to watchEleanore Di Claudio
    Associates to watchEleanore Di Claudio

    Eleanore Di Claudio

    Eleanore Di Claudio enters the rankings this year on the back of notable work representing clients from the TMT sector in high-profile competition litigation cases.

    • Eleanore Di Claudio is ridiculously clever.

      Competition Law respondentGlobal
    • I think she has an impressive eye for detail and has a real persistence in making points.

      Competition Law respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Simmons & Simmons LLP (3)

UK

Members

Provided by Simmons & Simmons LLP

Simmons & Simmons LLP has rankings in the following guides

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