European Law | UK Bar

Brick Court Chambers, praised for its "deep bench of top-tier practitioners," 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, praised as being "fantastically bright and invariably practical," assist life sciences or chemical sector companies with applications concerning European Commission 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 its 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 Meta in relation to its application to annul a Commission decision under the new Digital Markets Act, and acting for Visa in a claim against Euronet 360 for a breach of Article 101.

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, praised by one source for their "very good advice and drafting in complex cases," 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. Another source highlights the juniors as being "exceptionally bright and always willing to go that extra mile." Recent highlights include acting for Sky in an appeal against Ofcom concerning its regulation of pay TV business under "retained" EU law, and leading for Intel in fine appeal issues by the European Commission.

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. Recent highlights include Viktor Yanukovych v EU Council, in which sanctions against the former president of Ukraine's family members were annulled in the ECJ, and acting for Amazon against the European Commission in its application for annulment regarding designations under the DMA. One commentator notes: "We often call upon Blackstone to advise on complex and novel issues of law and they have been second to none in handling these sophisticated matters in a timely, nuanced and pragmatic manner."

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 praised as "experts on EU law" who "handle issues with great skill and mastery." Members often act 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 a challenge to EU/UK withdrawal agreement insofar as it deprives UK citizens of their Union citizenship.