Dates: November 17 - 19, 2021
Location: Chantilly, France
The Steering Committee welcomes a select group of 48 leading legal practitioners from across Europe, each selected for their specialization in competition litigation matters. The group includes representatives for both defendants and claimants, supplemented by a select group of economists and funders. This Forum provides an opportunity to share the most pressing issues faced on behalf of clients, learn how others address these problems, and identify solutions.
Using candid, seminar-style discussion, the group explores concerns from their varied jurisdictions and engages in meaningful dialogue on the most noteworthy and provocative matters in antitrust litigation.
This elite group, comprised of experts in the field, personally nominates all invitees and develops the Agenda, which forms the basis of our discussions.
Thomas Funke leads the antitrust practice at Osborne Clarke. He advises on antitrust litigation, competition compliance, distribution and merger control.
His experience includes cartel damages litigation before the European Court of Justice and the German Supreme Court. Thomas helped secure decisions in Akzo v Commission (T-345/12), and CDC Hydrogen Peroxide (C-352/13). He also represents the European Commission in the E.ON/RWE appeal (T-312/20).
As lead counsel in German and EU cartel cases, Thomas has represented key players from the automotive, energy, banking, and technology sectors. He recently defended a global technology group and an international tour operator in EU antitrust investigations. Thomas also secured expedited German merger clearances for several multibillion-euro life sciences transactions.
Thomas has spoken at the ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting and chaired international competition conferences. He has published extensively on the EU block exemptions, antitrust procedure, energy regulation, internet retailing, vertical restraints, damages litigation, and merger control. He has been recommended by Global Competition Review, Handelsblatt, Wirtschaftswoche or Legal 500 and his team was nominated twice for “JUVE Competition Law Firm of the Year”. Who is Who Legal recognizes him as a “Thought Leader”.
In addition to an IBA diploma in competition law and his German qualification, Thomas earned a certificate from the University of California and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia (LLM), as well as a doctorate in law from Bonn University (Dr jur).
Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree from McMaster University in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. A seasoned event and marketing manager, she has executed live engagements globally in the legal, technology, financial, not-for-profit and consumer products industries for many of the world’s leading organizations. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums, Jessica worked in conference management, specializing in executive events for C-Suite executives, Board members and VIP clients. A fluid communicator, Jessica utilizes her leadership skills and passion for creating flawless participant experiences as a Forum Director, focusing on programs in private wealth and antitrust. A food & wine aficionado, Jessica is also accredited with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wine & Spirits. When she’s out of the office, Jessica enjoys hot yoga, skiing and travel.
Built on genuine interactions and spontaneous connections, the Forum is the premiere gathering of preeminent European competition litigators.
"The range of discussion at the forum is unparelled – the different perspectives from claimant/ defendant which is down to in house/ private practice; and from all the major antitrust jurisdictions in Europe and the U.S."
Ross Clark Chief Risk Officer Burford Capital United Kingdom"In depth analysis on red hot topics from the experts on the inside track. Invaluable pan-European insight on the current issues during competition damages across the EU."
Anneli Howard Barrister Moncton Chambers United Kingdom"What struck me was the level of engagement – everyone has something to say and it was relevant and provided the opportunity for meaningful debate and discussion."
Peter Scott Partner Norton Rose Fullbright LLP United KingdomHear how our participants describe the practical benefits of our forums.
Senior Forum Director