Herbert Smith Freehills Strengthens EMEA Competition Litigation Team with New Partner Hire

Herbert Smith Freehills Strengthens EMEA Competition Litigation Team with New Partner Hire

Leading international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has announced the appointment of Thorsten Matthies as a Disputes Partner in Düsseldorf, aiming to strengthen the firm's competition litigation presence across the EMEA region.

Thorsten joins Herbert Smith Freehills from Freshfields and brings significant expertise in antitrust litigation. His practice focuses on defending clients in both court and out-of-court settings concerning cartel damage claims, strategic defenses against international mass claims, and negotiating tailor-made settlements. He has been involved in private follow-on damage cases across various sectors, including the automotive industry, rail tracks, and chipboard.

At Herbert Smith Freehills, Thorsten will collaborate closely with Partner Marcel Nuys and his team, as well as the broader competition disputes group. Paulino Fajardo, Regional Head of Dispute Resolution for EMEA, commented on the appointment, stating: "We have developed a reputation for handling some of the largest, high- profile, and complex competition damages cases in Europe. Adding Thorsten to our competition litigation team serves to deepen and extend our expertise in this area, especially in relation to class actions. We're excited to bring him on board."

Patricia Nascimento, Head of Disputes Germany, added: "The German Disputes practice encompasses investment arbitration, commercial arbitration and litigation, and financial services regulatory, in addition to compliance, internal investigations, and intellectual property. We remain committed to continually enhancing this already substantial offering to meet the needs of our clients. We are looking forward to adding Thorsten to our practice and thereby broaden our expertise at the important interface between litigation and competition." Marcel Nuys, Head of Competition, Regulation and Trade in Germany, remarked:

"Legislative changes, new players in the market, and claimant funding opportunities have all combined to generate a notable increase in both the number and size of private competition damage proceedings in recent years. Through Thorsten's arrival, we are further building an offering in Germany and beyond to support our clients as they navigate this shifting landscape. I'm looking forward to working closely with him." Kyriakos Fountoukakos, Global Head of Competition, Regulation and Trade, noted:

"Competition litigation is a key part of our offering and a fast-growing area. Our team has a stellar reputation as the preeminent competition litigation team in the UK, and we are expanding our offering in the rest of Europe. Thorsten will be a fantastic addition to our team."

Thorsten Matthies expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating: "This is a great opportunity for me to strengthen Herbert Smith Freehills in Germany and EMEA at this interface between Disputes and Competition. I am looking forward to supporting clients in national and international competition litigation matters and creating a 'one-stop shop' in the firm's offering in this area." Thorsten's appointment marks the latest growth for the firm in Germany, following the hires of Financial Services Regulatory Disputes Partner Timo Bühler last year and Private Capital Partner Gregor Klenk in February. With Thorsten's arrival, Herbert Smith Freehills will now have 86 professionals, including 20 partners, across its German offices.