Clifford Chance Announces New Global Co-chair For Antitrust

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance announced today the appointment of partner Marc Besen as Global Co-Chair of the firm’s Antitrust practice. Besen will join Washington, DC-based partner Sharis Pozen in leading one of the industry’s largest teams, with more than 170 attorneys practicing antitrust law in 18 locations globally.

Besen, who leads the firm’s German Antitrust practice, assumes the position from Brussels-based partner Thomas Vinje, who, after a stellar career advising on some of the world’s most complex antitrust matters, will continue to support the group while focusing his efforts more broadly on the firm’s global Tech practice and client base. Partner Richard Blewett will now lead the Brussels Antitrust team, having returned there in 2020 after several years based in London and Asia Pacific.

Besen offers, “Competition law considerations continue to impact the way our clients approach risk and growth opportunities. This is as true locally as it is across jurisdictions. I am excited to join Sharis in this role as we connect our global network to navigate clients through their challenges.”

Pozen shares, “Marc has an extraordinary reputation handling numerous high profile global merger reviews and investigations before the European Commission and national antitrust authorities. In a market facing ever-increasing regulation and scrutiny, he brings significant experience in supporting international clients on antitrust compliance.”

Clifford Chance has significantly expanded its global Antitrust team across the network, with a particular focus on the US in recent years under partner Tim Cornell’s leadership. Brian Concklin was promoted to partner in May 2022, two months after life sciences and healthcare partner Leigh Oliver joined the team, and last year, former FTC staff attorney Elyssa Wenzel joined the firm. Former DOJ Antitrust Section Chief Peter Mucchetti joined in March 2020, and Sharis Pozen moved to Clifford Chance in 2019 from her role as VP, Global Competition Law and Policy at General Electric. Former Global Executive Counsel Competition Law & Policy at GE Electric Sue Hinchliffe also joined the firm as partner in London in 2021.

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