Competition law is a rapidly evolving field that regulates market competition and prevents anti-competitive practices. As globalisation and corporate mergers increase, demand for competition lawyers continues to grow, especially in the UK, EU, and US. This guide explores how to become a competition lawyer, key responsibilities, and the essential steps to specialise in this field.

What Does a Competition Lawyer Do?

A competition lawyer advises businesses, regulators, and policymakers on compliance with competition laws, merger control, and market regulations. Their work includes preventing monopolistic practices, handling antitrust investigations, and ensuring corporate transactions align with competition policies.

Lawyers in this field often collaborate with authorities such as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK, the European Commission, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US.

Competition Lawyer Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Advising clients on antitrust laws and competition regulations.
• Handling merger clearance applications and regulatory filings.
• Representing clients in cartel investigations and abuse of dominance cases.
• Conducting market investigations to assess competitive risks.
• Collaborating with regulators and industry stakeholders on competition policies.
• Litigating competition-related disputes in courts and tribunals.

Essential Skills:

• Strong analytical and research skills in competition law and economics.
• Excellent negotiation and advocacy skills for regulatory cases.
• Attention to detail when preparing legal opinions and filings.
• Understanding of economic principles and market structures.
• Ability to manage high-stakes cases under pressure.

How to Become a Competition Lawyer

UK Pathway:

• Earn an LLB or complete a conversion course (GDL) if you have a non-law degree.
• Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or take the LPC and a training contract.
• Gain experience in competition law through a training seat at a law firm or internship with the CMA or European Commission.
• Specialise by handling antitrust cases and working with economic experts.

US Pathway:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree (law, economics, or political science is advantageous).
• Complete a Juris Doctor (JD) at an accredited law school.
• Pass the bar exam in your chosen state.
• Gain experience through internships with regulatory agencies like the FTC or DOJ’s Antitrust Division.
• Consider pursuing an LLM in competition law for further specialisation.

Why Choose a Career in Competition Law?

1. Growing Demand & Career Opportunities

With increased regulatory scrutiny on mergers and corporate behaviour, competition law offers strong career prospects in law firms, regulatory bodies, and corporate legal teams.

2. Diverse & High-Profile Work

Competition lawyers handle high-stakes cases involving market investigations, cross-border transactions, and major regulatory reforms, making it an intellectually stimulating field.

3. International Career Prospects

With increasing global competition regulations, lawyers in this field can work in international legal hubs like London, Brussels, Washington D.C., and Singapore.

4. Challenging Yet Rewarding

Competition law requires critical thinking and the ability to interpret complex legal and economic principles. While demanding, it offers the chance to shape market regulations and influence major business decisions.

Final Thoughts

A competition law career is ideal for those interested in market regulation, corporate transactions, and economic policy. With strong demand, high earning potential, and international opportunities, this field offers immense professional rewards.

Looking for opportunities in competition law? Find your next role with our expert legal recruiters.