Hogan Lovells has confirmed its latest lateral hire is Norton Rose Fulbright longstanding antitrust partner Mark Jones, who is to join the antitrust, competition and economic regulation (ACER) practice at the transatlantic firm in the New Year.
Jones is experienced in various aspects of competition law including behavioural and market investigations, merger control and compliance and utilities regulation, across the energy, infrastructure, insurance, and retail sectors.
His departure coincides with that of leading partner Michael Grenfell who, it emerged last Thursday (14 November), is to join the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as a senior sectoral director, having specialised in competition for 25 years and headed NRF’s competition group between 2002-2011.
Hogan Lovells co-head of the ACER practice and competition heavyweight Suyong Kim said: ‘Mark’s extensive experience and success in high profile competition and regulatory investigations speaks for itself.
‘He is extremely well-regarded in the market and many of the Hogan Lovells team already know him from working alongside him on competition investigations and appeals. Mark’s recruitment reflects our continuing investment in our global team, which combines first-rate client service and legal skills with in-depth industry knowledge.’
Mark Jones added: ‘After twenty great years at Norton Rose Fulbright I am very much looking forward to joining the hugely impressive Hogan Lovells team.’
Hogan Lovells has made a number of high profile lateral hires in recent months, including Field Fisher Waterhouse’s (FFW) head of data protection Eduardo Ustaran, as well as SJ Berwin corporate partner Ed Harris.
Meanwhile Norton Rose, in a statement said: ‘Norton Rose Fulbright’s competition team has expanded globally in recent years and now has over 120 leading competition lawyers internationally including over 20 in London.’ Martin Coleman, global practice leader of antitrust, competition and regulatory, added: ‘After 20 years at the firm, we can understand that Mark is leaving for a fresh challenge. He has been a great colleague personally and we would like to thank him for his contribution to the firm.’
sarah.downey@legalease.co.uk