Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has grown its competition capabilities with the arrival of partner Jean-Julien Lemonnier, who joins the firm in Paris.

Lemonnier has a broad competition practice. He regularly advises clients involved in investigations concerning alleged anti-competitive practices instigated by the French competition authority and/or the European Commission, as well as assisting clients involved in EU and multijurisdictional merger control filings. Separately, he also advises on distribution law issues. He joins the firm from White & Case.

“Competition authorities are taking a tough stance against mergers and more closely scrutinizing behavioural practices. We are seeing a raising demand from clients for competition law advice,” said Marta Isabel Garcia, Head of Competition in Stephenson Harwood’s London office. “It has been an ambition of the firm to grow the competition team, which is a valuable and strategically important practice for the firm.  Jean-Julien is an experienced lawyer, who brings expertise advising clients on complex competition matters. His practice complements our existing strengthens – especially his impressive sectors knowledge.”

Lemonnier has expertise in the financial, ports, luxury goods, consumer products, animal foods, food and beverage, and chemical sectors.

“We are committed to growing our offering in Paris and the arrival of Jean-Julien – our first competition law partner – demonstrates that,” said Nicolas Demigneux, office managing partner for the Paris office. “Our ability to offer a broad range of competition law advice enhances the support we can provide to our clients.”

Stephenson Harwood’s competition practice has expertise across the full spectrum of competition law including cartels, abuse of market power, merger control, compliance, commercial agreements, market investigations and litigation. The team advises an international client base across a range of industry sectors.