The candidate pool for antitrust/EU/competition associates from one of the top 50 UK or US firms in London is c.360 individuals. This breaks down by post-qualification experience (PQE) as follows:

- 50% are 0-4 PQE

- 25% are 5-7, and

- 25% are 8+pqe

Competition for antitrust/EU/competition hires

Hiring in the antitrust/EU/competition market appears to have risen over the last three years with each year seeing an increase in the number of associates hired by firms - from the mid-teens in 2016 to over 30 associates in 2018; it appears that 2019 is on course to be a similar level to 2018 or possible a bit lower. Whilst US firms have been hiring in this area, the volumes have not been as pronounced as other practice areas.  

US hiring only constituted 35% of all hires - however, their hiring was concentrated at the more senior level (70% of the US hires were at 5+ PQE). It is worth noting that one firm hired 10 associates. The magic circle were active hirers, making 20% of all the hires.

The number of firms hiring each year ranges between 12 and 20, and since the beginning of 2016 there have been 41 different firms making hires; 18 of these were US firms. The hires came from the London market, but also overseas and cities outside of London. Hires from outside London constituted 25% of all the hires; the majority coming from Brussels. Of the hires from within the London market individuals joined from 11 different US firms and 22 different UK/Global firms.  

The above data is taken from Legal Monitor’s global market mapping platform, constantly updated data on more than 220,000 law firm partners and fee earners working for c.900 leading global law firms. To arrange a demonstration of the platform, please call David Kekwick on 020 3397 3543 or email [email protected].