Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP today announced that
Jacques-Philippe Gunther has agreed to become a partner of the firm
and will practice in the Paris and Brussels offices. Jacques
previously led the antitrust and competition practice which he started
in the Paris office of Freshfields Bruckhaus in 1999. Prior to
Freshfields, Jacques was with Gide Loyrette Nouel, where he began his
career.
Jacques is widely recognized as one of Europe's leading
competition law specialists by the French and European antitrust
authorities. He is known for his expertise advising clients on
European and national merger filings (such as the current Gaz de
France/Suez merger) and in complex disputes before the Commission,
French antitrust authorities and Courts. Jacques is also one of the
most recognized experts in the field of State Aid. He has significant
experience particularly in the media, telecommunications, energy and
financial sectors.
Willkie Chairman Jack H. Nusbaum said, "We are pleased that
Jacques is joining the firm and look forward to his leadership in our
efforts to build a top tier competition/antitrust practice in Europe
that complements our U.S. strengths in this area. He joins a talented
team of lawyers in Paris and Brussels, and we are confident of his
ability to direct continued growth of our European antitrust
practice." Daniel Hurstel, Managing Partner of Willkie's Paris office
stated that "We are very proud that Jacques accepted our offer, which
can be attributed to our recognized position in the area of major M&A
transactions. Jacques' expertise and reputation will significantly
enhance synergies within the firm and will certainly be highly
appreciated by our clients."
Jacques stated, "I have been very happy at Freshfields these last
eight years, but the challenge of building a European network of
competition lawyers with the strong support of Willkie's partners and
team of very talented associates is very exciting."
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is an international law firm of over
600 attorneys with offices in New York, Washington, Paris, London,
Milan, Rome, Frankfurt and Brussels. The firm is headquartered in New
York City at 787 Seventh Avenue. Tel: 212.728.8000.
