International law firm Bird & Bird today announces the expansion of its London Competition Law team, appointing competition collective action specialist Emma Radcliffe as a partner.
Emma has particular expertise in defending collective actions and other competition claims before the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), as well as related appeals to the UK Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. This includes successfully opposing certification of collective proceedings in several recent landmark cases brought against her clients. Her expertise in defending collective claims is reinforced by a strong track record advising on high-profile, multi-jurisdictional competition and related regulatory investigations, providing her with deep insight into the strategic issues that underpin complex litigation.
Given the nature of Emma’s practice, she advises clients across a range of sectors, including music, technology and communications, betting and gaming, and financial services.
Emma’s arrival represents an important step in the strategic growth of Bird & Bird’s London Competition Law team, significantly enhancing the firm’s offering in competition collective damages claims and consolidating the team’s ability to continue to deliver the full range of competition support for its clients as the legal landscape evolves.
She will also work closely with our International Dispute Resolution team and will complement their litigation capabilities in relation to mass claims – further strengthening the firm’s presence in this increasingly important and developing area.
Phil Sherrell, Head of Bird & Bird London, said: “Collective actions are now a major feature of competition enforcement in the UK, with over 50 issued collective action claims currently before the Competition Appeal Tribunal – often involving claims running into the hundreds of millions or even billions of euros. Emma’s appointment will enhance our ability to support clients facing these complex and high-value proceedings; we are very excited to have her as part of our team.”
Peter Willis and Saskia King, partners in Bird & Bird’s London Competition Law team, said: “Emma is a leading competition litigator with an exceptional track record in defending collective actions and other complex competition claims. Her experience before the CAT, combined with her deep understanding of regulatory investigations and appeals, makes her a natural fit for our practice and a valuable addition to our growing competition team.”
Emma said: “I am delighted to be joining Bird & Bird at a time when competition litigation, particularly collective actions, is increasing across sectors in which the firm has a leading presence. Bird & Bird’s strength in the technology sector and its international platform provide an excellent opportunity to support clients facing heightened competition risks.”
