We are launching a new round of secondment opportunities for competition lawyers, to start on 7 March 2022.
Since its launch in June 2018, more than 40 secondees from over 20 law firms have taken part in the programme and we are now accepting applications for the next round which will start on 7 March 2022.
We invite you to consider whether your firm and any of your associates wish to participate.
The deadline for applications is Friday, 21 January 2022.
We believe our programme offers an exciting opportunity for competition lawyers:
- the 6 month programme encompasses work across all of our competition law functions, and is designed to offer a structured insight into the workings of the CMA
- secondees have the opportunity to work within one or more of the CMA’s Legal Service, Policy, Mergers, Competition Act, Digital Markets and Internal Market functions, under the supervision of senior CMA lawyers
- secondees form an integral part of our multi-disciplinary teams and have the opportunity to play a key role in delivering the CMA’s aims and strategic goals through casework or wider legal and policy work
- we hope that this opportunity to work with us at the CMA will prove particularly valuable to both the secondee and their firm on their return to private practice
Comments from previous secondees:
"I have really enjoyed my secondment to the CMA Policy & International team. It has been a valuable opportunity to work with great people in a supportive team on really interesting legislative and policy projects (at a time when there is a lot of change and reform going on!) and I know that I’ll be able to use a lot of the insights I’ve gained when I return to private practice."
"Working within the Digital Markets Unit has been fantastic. I am so grateful for the opportunity and have learned a lot. It has been fascinating working on the shaping of future legislation."
"I have really enjoyed my secondment at the CMA sitting in the mergers team. I have worked on interesting and complex cases with very clever and friendly colleagues. The secondment programme has also provided me with unique insights and experience in merger control that cannot be replicated anywhere else. My message to competition lawyers in private practice considering whether to apply for the secondment programme: do it. It will be a great experience and you will return to your firm a much better competition lawyer afterwards."
Application details
Secondments are open to all UK and EU qualified lawyers currently employed in a law firm, and with previous experience working on competition law matters.
Additionally:
- we aim to offer secondees a range of work suitable for their level of experience and to provide training as part of the role
- our secondments last for 6 months with two intakes annually on a rolling basis
- the CMA will contribute a flat rate to the cost of secondees, with further details available on request.
Firms that would like to put candidates forward should email a CV and covering letter for each candidate by Friday, 21 January 2022 to Simon Harms, Helen Townley, Marianna Filippakopoulou and Michael Speer.
As part of their covering letter, candidates should confirm that they are able to start their secondment on 7 March 2022 for a 6 month period.
Candidates should also express any preference for particular types of work within the CMA which we will do our best to accommodate, including with a view to maximising a firm’s exposure to different CMA tools among their associates seconded over time.
Candidates should be available to have a meeting or call with the CMA during the weeks of either 24 January 2022 or 31 January 2022 to discuss the secondment.
Please note we will not consider applications via agencies.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the benefits of the programme, please contact any of Simon Harms, Helen Townley, Marianna Filippakopoulou and Michael Speer.
Contact details for secondment programme queries
Simon Harms
Legal Director Simon.Harms@cma.gov.uk 020 3738 6473
Helen Townley
Legal Director Helen.Townley@cma.gov.uk 020 3738 6869
Marianna Filippakopoulou
Legal Adviser Marianna.Filippakopoulou@cma.gov.uk 020 3738 6347
Michael Speer
Legal Adviser Michael.Speer@cma.gov.uk 020 3738 6950
For more information
Find out more about the CMA and the work we do.
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