James Aitken

James leads our London antitrust, competition and trade group. Much of his work involves dealing with fast-moving investigations, many of which involve behavioural issues with significant implications for the clients’ commercial conduct and strategic objectives.

His experience in working in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) is invaluable as it enables him to approach cases with practical insight gained from first-hand experience of seeing complex evidence and arguments tested. His clients value his calm professionalism and practical approach in handling what can sometimes be stressful situations.

He also handles obtaining regulatory clearances for mergers, both before the European Commission (EC) and UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as well as co-ordinating obtaining necessary clearances worldwide. He is also one of the partners with particular experience of advising regulated utilities and on litigation challenges to regulatory decisions in court and the UK CAT.

Sectors he specialises in include: telecoms, media and technology, energy and natural resources, financial institutions, and infrastructure and transport. He has become particularly well known for his strategic advice to leading players on the intersection of antitrust law with patent law and digital business models. 

Many of the cases James deals with involve working across more than one jurisdiction. In addition to handling the EC or CMA aspects of a matter James often finds himself managing a team of lawyers across continents. As a result, his ability to manage collaboratively but purposefully...