Davis Polk appoints partner duo to launch Brussels office

Davis Polk appoints partner duo to launch Brussels office

Leading New York City-based international law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (Davis Polk) has appointed Jürgen Schindler and Frances Dethmers from the leading Magic Circle law firm Allen & Overy to launch its Brussels office.

The Brussels office will be headed by Jürgen Schindler, co-head of A&O's global competition and antitrust group, and fellow competition partner Frances Dethmers. The Brussels office is expected to be opened sometime later this year.

It will be the first office launch by the Wall Street firm Davis Polk in 11 years after it opened an office in São Paulo in 2011.

Schindler, who was associated with Allen & Overy for approximately 15 years, has experience in international, EU, and German merger control, cartel, and abuse of dominance cases across various industries such as energy, finance, technology, transport, and pharmaceuticals. He also has experience litigating before European courts in Luxembourg and is admitted to practice in Germany, Belgium, and New York.

Dethmers is joining a US law firm as a special advisor. She specialises in EU and Dutch competition law and has experience advising on control procedures, cartel investigations, abuse of dominance investigations, intellectual property issues, and licensing and distribution agreements. She has previously worked at the Dutch Competition Authority and the European Commission as an economist.

"Their significant experience across merger control matters, cartels and antitrust litigation will benefit our clients greatly and will further solidify our position as a leading global antitrust firm," Art Burke, head of Davis Polk's antitrust and competition practice, said.

The launch of the Brussels office establishes the strategic need for US law firms to enter the European Union's competition hub. It has become essential following Brexit. Previously they managed with their presence in London.

Davis Polk's Wall Street rival Simpson Thacher & Bartlett opened in Brussels in September 2021. Kirkland & Ellis also arrived in Brussels in 2021, while Fried Frank and Weil entered Brussels last year.

"The European Commission is a critical antitrust authority. We are excited to be able to offer our clients sophisticated antitrust capabilities with respect to matters under EU law," Neil Barr, Davis Polk's managing partner, said.