LAWYER PROFILE

Ali Nikpay

Europe 2026

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Ranked in 1 practice area

Competition Law

11 years ranked

About

Provided by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Practice Areas

EU/UK competition law in particular economically complex mergers/behavioral cases, multi-jurisdictional cartels, multi-jurisdictional mergers, sector/market investigations and UK National Security and Investment reviews.

Career

Co-Chair of Gibson Dunn’s Antitrust and Competition Group. Multiple winner of The Lawyer Hot 100 Awards; named by the Daily Telegraph as “one of the world’s preeminent experts in European competition law” and by the FT as one of the “top 10 legal innovators” in Europe. Prior to private practice served for 5 years at the EC’s DG for Competition followed by a decade at UK competition authority. Roles included Senior Director for Merger Decisions, Senior Director for Cartels, and Senior Director for Policy.

Publications

Faull & Nikpay: The EU Law of Competition - “the best single volume work dealing with EU competition” according to the European Competition Law Review.

Personal

Vice-chair of the London School of Economics governing council.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers European Guide

Competition Law - UK

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Ali Nikpay stands out for his ability to assist clients with obtaining competition law clearance for high-value mergers, often acting for private equity houses. He also advises clients on CMA market investigations, as well as matters involving allegations of abuses of dominant positions or restrictive agreements and competition law disputes.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Ali Nikpay has a wealth of experience in the UK and the EU. He has an instant grasp of the key facts and the implications of those arguments for the case.
Competition LawChambers European Guide
He is one of the cleverest lawyers I've ever met. He is patient and calm and has fostered a lovely working environment.
Competition LawChambers European Guide
Ali Nikpay is a standout antitrust practitioner. He combines deep regulatory expertise with a strategic, commercially-attuned approach.
Competition LawChambers European Guide
Ali Nikpay is absolutely top-notch. He is really sharp, great at cutting through complex issues and can win the respect of even the toughest boards.
Competition LawChambers European Guide
He is one of the top practitioners in the UK with exceptional judgment and a deep understanding of the CMA.
Competition LawChambers European Guide