European Law | UK Bar

Brick Court Chambers has continued to attract instruction in many of the key EU law matters to have arisen in recent years, including questions of jurisdiction, and litigation influencing or influenced by the convoluted process of the UK's exit from the bloc. The set is also home to some of the leading authorities on the enforceability of EU sanctions. The barristers assist life sciences or chemical sector companies with applications concerning EC or UK regulatory decisions, and have previously handled UK or European proceedings that examined HMRC's application of various elements of EU taxation law. This is all in addition to their market-leading competition practice, which takes in the most prominent Commission decision appeals and follow-on damages claims, and major cases on state aid. Recent matters include representing HSBC in the Court of Justice of the European Union in an appeal against the Commission's decision that it was liable for Euribor manipulation, and acting for environmental NGO ClientEarth in challenging the decision to allow a recycling company to use PVC that contains DEHP.

Many of Monckton Chambers' key areas of practice are grounded in its members' superb understanding of EU law principles. The UK government frequently instructs barristers from the chambers in cases concerning state aid, European Commission cartel decisions, taxation and customs. The barristers additionally represent corporations and individuals in matters of the types listed above, and in litigation relating to industry sector regulation, free movement, data protection and other issues. Recent highlights include leading for Apple in its appeal of a EUR14 billion state aid recovery order, and acting for Telenor in its appeal to the EFTA Court against a EUR100 million competition fine.

Blackstone Chambers offers impressive experience in a wide range of EU law issues, acting for multinational corporations, individual citizens and governmental and regulatory bodies, as well as the European Commission itself. Corporate clients hail from a diverse range of sectors including financial services, telecommunications and transport. The set has a strong track record of appearances in cases relating to the principles of competition law, freedom of information and free movement, among others. The barristers also represent those subject to EU sanctions in various appeals.

Matrix Chambers is home to a number of accomplished regulatory and public law specialists who are highly knowledgeable about EU law and institutions. The barristers are deeply experienced in areas such as free movement, the regulation of industry sectors, and state aid in the context of franchising or procurement, including related Francovich claims. Members have also represented clients from other member states in litigation involving various EU agencies. Recent highlights include representing a group of UK citizens in an appeal challenging the Withdrawal Agreement in its depriving UK citizens of their right to European Union citizenship, and a case relating to European Enforcement Orders and the rules surrounding when said orders can be set aside.