Praise for Sidley’s Global Antitrust/Competition Practice

Competition/Regulatory Team of the Year
Sidley was named Competition/Regulatory Team of the Year in The Lawyer Awards 2011. The Lawyer Awards celebrate excellence within the legal profession and are open to participation by lawyers in private practice, in-house counsel and members of the Bar. The award is a result of Sidley’s work on behalf of eBay in successfully leading the campaign to ensure that a proposed updated EU Regulation on vertical agreements was amended to provide a fair footing for online retailers.

U.S.News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” 
Sidley received a first-tier national ranking, a first-tier regional ranking in Chicago and a second-tier regional ranking in San Francisco, for its antitrust practice, as well as the most first-tier national rankings of any U.S. law firm overall, in the inaugural U.S.News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” survey for 2010, published by U.S.News & World Report.  According to clients quoted in the survey, “Sidley has long been one of the finest antitrust firms in the country.” In addition, practice co-heads Charles Douglas (Chicago), Marie Fiala (San Francisco) and John Treece (Chicago) are recognized in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. According to a source quoted in the survey, Mr. Treece’s “years of experience and good judgment offer our clients reasoned guidance they trust. He knows our business as well as the legal doctrine, which is a rare find.”
U.S.News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Survey 2010 and The Best Lawyers in America 2011

Competition Law Super League

Based on research for the PLC Cross-Border Competition Handbook 2009, in which nine of our competition lawyers feature prominently, Sidley has been named for the second consecutive year to The Competition Law Super League, PLC’s annual selection of the top 25 global competition practices. Sidley was praised for “[continuing] to have strong capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic, notably a leading practice in Chicago, and [gaining] an endorsement in China”. PLC Cross-Border Quarterly, April-June 2009

Chambers Praises Sidley’s Competition Practice on Three Continents

Europe
“Since opening its doors in Brussels in 2003 this firm has made a good impression on the competition market, winning praise as a ‘great practice that really knows its stuff, with a strong team spirit that makes it a pleasure to work with’. The group of 11 lawyers has expertise in competition, international trade and EU regulatory law and works closely with the firm’s US arm. Although he is spending more time in London these days, Stephen Kinsella OBE is still seen as one of the most prominent figures in the Belgian market. ‘He understands both the political and the regulatory challenges, gives practical advice’ and ‘gets straight to the heart of the matter’, clients say. . . . Stephen Spinks focuses on competition and trade law, with particular expertise in telecoms.” Chambers Global 2009 – Belgium, Competition/Antitrust and Chambers Europe 2009 – Belgium, Competition/European Law

“David Went heads Sidley Austin LLP’s London competition team and has excellent knowledge of cutting-edge issues.”  Chambers UK 2010 – Competition/European Law (London)

“Since arriving in Brussels a few years ago, this firm has continued to build a highly regarded reputation as ‘an excellent competition team with particular strength in trade law.’ The team covers all aspects of competition law, from merger control to defending clients on alleged cartels, and also has good experience in state aid and litigation. The firm's strong competition practice in Europe and the USA is a drawcard for its respected client base . . . . Clients praise it as ‘an amazing team – small but distinctly individual.’ Stephen Kinsella OBE has an outstanding reputation on the Brussels market. Clients stayed loyal to him during his move . . . and he has been involved in a large number of high-profile cases before the Commission and national competition authorities. Clients laud him as ‘a fantastic competition lawyer with great business sense and a flawless ability for risk assessment.’ . . . Stephen Spinks offers vast experience in competition law, with a special focus on telecommunications and trade law, gained over more than 25 years of practice. Clients comment: ‘He is a real intellect - an outstanding lawyer’.” Chambers Europe 2008 – Belgium, Competition/Antitrust

“Stephen Spinks of Sidley Austin LLP is highly knowledgeable of regulatory and European competition law matters related to the TMT sector. He benefits from an impressive background in the Internet and technology sector. . . ”  Chambers Europe 2009 – Belgium, TMT

United States
“This practice is headquartered in Chicago and fields additional teams around the country, in the financial and administrative centers of California, New York and Washington, DC. The group handles litigation, merger clearance and counseling matters and is especially noted for its work on behalf of clients in the regulated industries of pharmaceuticals, telecom and media . . . . Sources say: ‘This group thinks outside the box and comes up with innovative solutions. Its solid base of well-trained junior attorneys is also impressive.’ Charles Douglas and John Treece in Illinois and Larry Fullerton in Washington, DC coordinate the practice globally. ”  Chambers USA 2010 – Antitrust (Nation-wide)

“This practice regularly handles the antitrust elements of multibillion-dollar deals. The group takes on the full range of antitrust matters, representing domestic and foreign corporations and individuals in litigation, as well as advising on merger clearance and providing counseling. It undertakes both civil and criminal work for clients . . . . Sources say: ‘The team produces an excellent written product - above and beyond anything I've seen anywhere else. Its lawyers are innovative and think outside the box.’ Charles Douglas has been involved in some of the most complex antitrust cases of recent years, including a recent price-fixing class action for a telecoms company. Jack Bierig is praised for his knowledge and experience of the healthcare sector. Practice head John Treece is ‘a steady hand and a fine lawyer.’ His areas of expertise include monopolization, price-fixing, price discrimination claims and patent litigation. David Graham is ‘smart and effective in oral argument.’ He has a broad antitrust and securities practice and serves as global co-chair of the firm’s securities litigation and SEC enforcement team.” Chambers USA 2010 – Antitrust (Illinois)

“Larry Fullerton of Sidley Austin LLP concentrates on M&A matters . . . . He is rated for his extensive experience and insight into the workings of the DOJ.” Chambers USA 2010 – Antitrust (District of Columbia)

“Joel Mitnick of Sidley Austin LLP has a broad practice, working particularly closely with clients in the financial services sector. Clients applaud his ‘ability to communicate complex antitrust issues to business people’ and his ‘sound knowledge of financial products’. . . .” Chambers USA 2010 – Antitrust (New York)

“Leading the charge at Sidley Austin LLP‘s DC office is Larry Fullerton, who is noted for his ‘astute business judgment.’ His broad practice covers mergers, counseling and defense in government investigations. Clients feel that his ability to ‘pull together and lead a strong team prepped to handle multijurisdictional reviews’ is one of his key strengths.”  Chambers USA 2008 – Antitrust (District of Columbia)

“New to Sidley Austin LLP, Samuel Miller concentrates on hi-tech antitrust issues. . . .”  Chambers USA 2009 – Antitrust (California)

Asia
“Sidley’s extensive experience in US and EU competition law matters, coupled with its in-depth understanding of Chinese law and the country’s business environment, enables it to help clients with a wide spectrum of competition compliance matters. The China competition team works closely with the Ministry of Commerce and maintains a good working relationship with government officials. The main contacts are Beijing-based partner Yang Chen and Shanghaibased partner Tang Zhengyu.”  Chambers Asia 2010 – China/Hong Kong, Competition/Antitrust: International & Hong Kong Firms

GCR 100

“[S]ince Who's Who nominees Stephen Kinsella OBE and Stephen O Spinks launched Sidley Austin LLP's EU competition practice in 2005, the . . . firm has certainly grown, with the partnership expanding from two to four with the promotions of the well-regarded Ken Daly and Kristina Nordlander, as well as with the hiring of additional associates and other specialists. The interface between antitrust and sport is one area the team is staking out.”  Global Competition Review, GCR 100 2009 – Brussels

“The 17-partner Chicago team at Sidley Austin LLP are litigators first and foremost. The firm says its "experience and success in taking large, precedent-setting or ‘bet the company' cases to trial" sets it apart from its peers. . . . [T]he Sidley antitrust team also boasts a portfolio of heath-care clients. . . . Much of this work has been part of the headline-grabbing generic drug litigation in courts all over the country, led by Sidley partner and Who's Who nominee John W Treece. The firm also has a strong real estate practice, including partner Jack Bierig, another Who's Who nominee.”  Global Competition Review, GCR 100 2009 – Illinois

“Sidley Austin’s competition practice is strong on both sides of the Atlantic and this year it added three partners to its global antitrust group, taking its tally of competition specialists to 65. Two partners moved laterally – antitrust and commercial litigation specialist Samuel Miller joined the San Francisco office . . .; Adrienne Pitts joined in Chicago . . . – while litigator Teague Donahey was made partner in San Francisco. This year saw Sidley retained on several major antitrust cases in Europe. . . . Its European practice is led by Stephen Kinsella. ‘Super smart’ and ‘highly recommended’, say sources, Kinsella works from both Brussels and London.”  Global Competition Review, GCR 100 2008

Who’s Who Legal

Four-Time Winner of “Illinois Law Firm of the Year”

Five Sidley antitrust practitioners feature in 2010 edition of The International Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers: Ken Daly, Stephen Kinsella, Kristina Nordlander, Stephen Spinks and John Treece. “The number of nominees from Sidley Austin LLP grows from three to five in this edition, once again split between Brussels and Chicago. The [Brussels] office is particularly strong, with Stephen Kinsella OBE deemed a ‘great legal mind’ with an ‘international reputation’.” In addition, Jack Bierig, Thomas Ryan and John Treece are recognized in the 2010 edition of Who’s Who Legal: Illinois, and Samuel Miller is recognized in the 2010 edition of Who’s Who Legal: California.  Who’s Who Legal 2010 - Competition

Sidley’s leading Chicago antitrust practice has contributed to the firm receiving Who’s Who Legal’s “Illinois Law Firm of the Year” award each year since the award’s inception in 2007. To win the award in such a strong local market for a fourth consecutive time reflects Sidley Austin’s exceptional quality and depth of talent. An unrivalled number of lawyers from the firm were recognised for their market-leading practices across a wide range of areas. We are delighted to recognise Sidley Austin as the leading firm in Illinois once again.”  Who’s Who Legal Awards 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010

“Sidley Austin LLP is also ever-present in our latest research. The firm has a strong international network of offices . . . . John Treece is, according to sources, the 'cream of the crop of the Chicago antitrust Bar' and his performance in our findings backs this up. Tom Ryan . . . was another consistent performer in our research, with superlatives such as 'outstanding', 'first-rate' and 'top-tier' used in conjunction with his name. Both his litigation and counselling work were brought to the attention of researchers with one respondent to the survey recalling the 'excellent job' Ryan performed while the two were on a case together. Jack Bierig completes the trio with a raft of recommendations from clients and peers. Bierig is said to be particularly strong for health-care and IP-related matters. . . .”  Who’s Who Legal 2008 - Competition, Illinois

“The firm’s representatives in the competition chapter are also spread between Brussels and the US. Stephen Kinsella was described as 'the man' and 'extremely smart', and ranks among the most highly nominated individuals in this area worldwide. Stephen Spinks is 'reliable and hugely respected' for this type of work, and John Treece is a global coordinator of the firm’s antitrust and competition practice and “the cream of the crop of the Chicago antitrust bar” in the eyes of our sources. Spinks also appears in the regulatory communications research, one of four partners from the firm to earn representation in multiple chapters.”  Who’s Who Legal ‘70’ - Competition

Benchmark Litigation

National
“Sidley Austin has distinguished itself as a truly international firm through 17 offices across the US, Europe, Australia and Asia, as well as a diverse litigation platform sculpted to tackle any foreseeable corporate dispute in any jurisdiction. ‘If something crops up out of left field, Sidley finds a way to address the question or issue,’ says one firm client. ‘They have a nice broad base of skill sets to draw upon. It’s been a very comfortable relationship because their personalities and experience make it easy for them to address whatever the issue at hand is.’ The firm’s diverse skill sets have made Sidley Austin one of the most broadly represented firms in Benchmark. With Sidley litigators prominent in areas such as antitrust, appellate, bankruptcy law, intellectual property, international arbitration, product liability, securities law, and white-collar crime, few firms can match its geographic footprint, accrued expertise, and standing client roster. . . . The firm’s antitrust attorneys have had a high-profile year as well. New York partner Joel Mitnick recently handled aspects of the first US antitrust case to be brought against defendants based in China. . . . One client praises the antitrust knowledge base of Chicago partner John Treece and his broader competition team across the US. ‘When we get a litigation that would involve understanding pharmaceutical pricing and product distribution, it’s critical to have lawyers that understand that system’ . . . ‘I have the utmost confidence that they’re doing what’s in my best interest and the best interest of the company.’ Offering both antitrust and securities law expertise, New York partner David Graham is offered frequently by peers as one of the leading litigators at Sidley Austin.”  Benchmark Litigation 2010 – National

California
Sidley features among those recommended in the California rankings of Benchmark Litigation 2010, and Thomas Hanrahan is recognized as one of the local litigation stars. “Sidley Austin expanded its California presence this year through the addition of its Palo Alto office, which enhances the life sciences segment of the firm’s overall national IP fingerprint. . . . While Palo Alto is a significant addition for Sidley in the state, competitors see a historic strength in the litigators in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Commercial litigation group leader Thomas Hanrahan [is] noted by peers for [his] expertise in pre-litigation counseling and trial management for biotech companies . . . . Hanrahan also specializes in antitrust matters.”  Benchmark Litigation 2010 – California

Illinois
Sidley features among those highly recommended in the Illinois rankings of Benchmark Litigation 2010, and Charles Douglas is recognized as one of the local litigation stars. “Peers note ‘Sidley is based in Chicago but [their litigators] are likely to be found handling nationwide cases.’ ”  Benchmark Litigation 2010 – Illinois

New York
Sidley features among those highly recommended in the New York rankings of Benchmark Litigation 2010, and Joel Mitnick is recognized as one of the local litigation stars. “Sidley Austin has been increasing its New York presence of late. . . . ‘They have a knack for selecting really talented people,’ says one client. ‘I really like their writing and their advocacy is very sharp.’ ” Benchmark Litigation 2010 – New York

The Legal 500

“‘Responsive and cost-effective’, Sidley Austin LLP’s ‘knowledgeable’ antitrust group provides a broad-range of services from M&A clearance and government investigations to multi-district class actions. Driven out of its Chicago headquarters and aided by a comprehensive national footprint that includes offices in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC, the 45-partner team has the critical mass to handle a tremendous volume of high-quality transactions, regardless of geography. Recognized in the market for its trial-ready approach, . . . . San Francisco-based Samuel Miller provides ‘the highest levels of lawyeringskill, responsiveness, attention to detail and value in the antitrust field’, and is a vital part of a West Coast team which was recently bolstered by the arrival of . . . Marie Fiala. In Chicago, the ‘technically very strong’ John Treece is regularly instructed by pharmaceutical companies . . . .”  The Legal 500 United States 2010, Mergers, Acquisitions and Buyouts - Antitrust

“The Sidley Austin LLP practice receives ‘whole-hearted recommendations’ from its clients. [Sidley’s EU competition team is praised for d]elivering the ‘highest levels of service’ [and being a] ‘responsive and professional’ [team] . . . . Stephen Spinks is praised for being ‘especially detail-oriented and strong in technical legal analysis’, while Stephen Kinsella, who splits his time between London and Brussels, gives ‘excellent strategic advice and beings a deep, high-level of experience’. Ken Daly is also recommended. The practice continues to build and develop its strong pharmaceutical client base, advising several large internationals in this sector.”  Legal 500 EMEA 2010 – Belgium, Competition

IFLR1000

Sidley’s EU competition practice features among those recommended in IFLR 1000 and Stephen Kinsella is named as a “leading lawyer”. “ ‘I see them a lot,’ says one rival partner. ‘I expect a lot from them in the next couple of years.’ . . . Established only in 2003, Sidley Austin is clearly on the rise. Ken Daly was promoted to partner in July 2008, as was Kristina Nordlander.”  IFLR1000 2010, Western Europe (Regional Rankings): EU Competition

PLC Cross-Border Competition Handbook

Sidley's Competition practice features among those recommended in the PLC Cross-Border Competition Handbook 2009. Nine Sidley lawyers are individually recognized and praised as leaders in their jurisdictions, including: Stephen Kinsella, Stephen Spinks, Ken Daly, Kristina Nordlander, Larry Fullerton, John Treece, Jack Bierig, Charles Douglas and Thomas Ryan.  PLC Cross-Border Competition Handbook 2009

PLC Cross-Border Life Sciences Handbook

Sidley’s antitrust practice features among those recommended by PLC Cross-Border Life Sciences Handbook 2009/10, in both the USA and EU competition categories. Worldwide, 16 Sidley lawyers are individually recognized and praised as leading life sciences practitioners in their jurisdictions.  PLC Cross-Border Life Sciences Handbook 2009/10

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