Competition Litigation

Thomas Funke leads the international competition practice at Osborne Clarke. 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).

As lead counsel in German and EU cartel cases, Thomas has represented key players from the automotive, energy, banking, and technology sectors. He successfully defended a global technology group and an international tour operator in EU antitrust investigations. He recently represented Lekkerland before the European Commission and Germany’s Bundeskartellamt to obtain expedited clearances for its heavily contested acquisition by REWE. The European Commission retained Thomas to defend its E.ON/Innogy and RWE/E.ON merger clearances against third-party challenges in the General Court of the European Union (T-312/20, T-56/21).

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 in Chambers, Global Competition Review, Handelsblatt, Wirtschaftswoche or Legal 500 and his team was nominated twice for “JUVE Competition Law Firm of the Year”.

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 (LL.M.), 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.