Arnold & Porter Hires Former Wilkie EU Antitrust Partner in London

Why It Matters

The addition strengthens Arnold & Porter’s cross‑border antitrust capabilities, positioning the firm to capture growing demand for EU‑UK competition work post‑Brexit. It also signals intensified talent competition among global law firms seeking dual‑qualified experts.

Key Takeaways

• Nicola Chesaites joins Arnold & Porter as partner and employed barrister.
• She brings 17+ years of EU competition damages and litigation experience.
• Dual qualification as UK barrister and Belgian advocate enhances cross‑border capabilities.
• Her hire follows Kathleen Harris winning 2026 Law Firm Leader award.
• Arnold & Porter expands its London antitrust practice with her expertise.

Pulse Analysis

Arnold & Porter’s recruitment of Nicola Chesaites reflects a strategic push to deepen its competition litigation bench at a time when cross‑border antitrust disputes are gaining complexity. Chesaites’ dual qualification—qualified both as a UK barrister and a Belgian advocate—offers the firm a rare ability to navigate divergent procedural regimes, from the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal to the EU General Court. Clients facing multi‑jurisdictional enforcement actions stand to benefit from a seamless advisory and litigation platform that bridges post‑Brexit regulatory gaps.

The London office has been on an expansion trajectory, leveraging high‑profile hires to compete with entrenched UK firms and other U.S. entrants. By adding a practitioner with a proven track record in EU damages litigation, collective actions, and regulatory advisory, Arnold & Porter bolsters its value proposition for multinational corporations seeking coordinated defense strategies across Europe. The move also aligns with the firm’s broader global integration model, enabling London teams to collaborate closely with Brussels and New York counterparts on complex antitrust matters.

Beyond the immediate practice boost, the hire underscores the premium placed on talent that can operate fluently across jurisdictions. As EU competition authorities intensify scrutiny of digital markets and cross‑border mergers, law firms are racing to secure lawyers who can advise on both substantive law and procedural nuances. Chesaites’ appointment, highlighted alongside Kathleen Harris’s recent industry award, signals Arnold & Porter’s commitment to diversity, expertise, and a robust international footprint—key differentiators in a competitive legal market.