Competition Lawyer — Mergers & Markets

Competition Lawyer, Mergers & Markets — CMA, Canary Wharf

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is recruiting a Competition Lawyer to join its Mergers and Markets Division at The Cabot, Canary Wharf, London. The CMA is the UK's principal competition authority and has become one of the most active and influential regulators globally, particularly following Brexit and the introduction of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

You will work on merger investigations, market studies, and market investigations across all sectors of the UK economy. Recent high-profile CMA interventions have included major technology mergers, energy market reviews, and digital markets regulation.

About the Role

• Investigate mergers under the Enterprise Act 2002 at Phase 1 and Phase 2
• Conduct market studies and market investigations into sectors of concern
• Apply the Competition Act 1998 (Chapter I and Chapter II prohibitions)
• Contribute to the CMA's expanding digital markets function under the DMCC Act 2024

• Conduct legal analysis on Phase 1 and Phase 2 merger investigations
• Draft provisional findings, decision documents, and undertakings in lieu of reference
• Advise inquiry groups on substantive competition law and procedural requirements
• Manage engagement with merging parties, third parties, and their legal advisers
• Contribute to market studies and market investigation references
• Support the CMA's digital markets function and Strategic Market Status (SMS) designations

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister of England and Wales with 3-6 years PQE in competition law
• Strong understanding of UK merger control (Enterprise Act 2002), Competition Act 1998, and EU competition law
• Experience in merger review, market investigations, or competition enforcement (public or private sector)
• Knowledge of the DMCC Act 2024 and its implications for digital markets regulation
• Excellent analytical and economic reasoning skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams with economists and policy specialists