Exchange Chambers welcomes internationally renowned competition and EU law specialist

September 9, 2015

Exchange Chambers has expanded its commercial service offering with the arrival of competition and EU law specialist David Went from Sidley Austin in London.

David, who will be based at the Set’s Leeds Chambers, was named in Global Competition Review’s list of the leading 40 competition law specialists under 40 years’ old worldwide in 2012.

His practice covers both advisory and litigation aspects of competition law, including cartels, commercial practices, abuse of dominance, mergers, public procurement, and State aid, as well as related areas of EU, public, and regulatory law.

Regularly appearing before EU and UK competition authorities and courts, David’s experience spans a broad range of industries, including aerospace, agriculture, automotive, financial services, FMCG, high-tech, insurance, IT/internet, life sciences, manufacturing, media, mining, publishing, shipping, sports, telecoms, and utilities.   He features prominently in the leading legal directories, including Chambers & Partners UK, Legal 500, IFLR1000 and Who’s Who of Competition Lawyers and Economists.

Originally called to the Bar in 1999 at 2 Harcourt Buildings, David switched to a career as a private practice solicitor (also later qualifying as a Solicitor Advocate) with a move to Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton based in London and Brussels.    In 2007, he moved to Sidley Austin becoming a partner at the age of 36.

Commenting on his decision to return to the Bar and join Exchange Chambers, David said:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in private practice but the draw of the Bar has never quite left me.

“I am delighted to join Exchange Chambers, a set with a strong reputation across all areas of commercial law.

“Legislative change in the UK and Europe, as well as other factors, is driving an ever increasing need for competition law advice and I am looking forward to developing all areas of my practice, particularly litigation, on my return to the Bar.”

Said Tom Handley, Director of Chambers at Exchange Chambers:

“It is a pleasure to welcome David to Chambers.”

“Independently ranked as one the world’s leading competition law specialists, his expertise brings an extra dimension to our commercial practice and at a time when we are seeing an increasing demand for competition law advice.”