Lambros Kilaniotis hired by Quinn Emanuel in London

Lambros Kilaniotis hired by Quinn Emanuel in London

The team now comprises eight lawyers, including three partners

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has hired Lambros Kilaniotis in London. It is the firm's first UK competition partner hire since the high-profile defection of a three-partner team in October last year.

Kilaniotis, who was working with RPC, left the firm after nine years. He will co-lead Quinn's competition practice along with Kate Vernon, combining his previously largely contentious competition practice with the firm's classical competition law strengths.

John Quinn, the founder of Quinn Emanuel, praised Kilaniotis and mentioned, "He has a stand-out reputation, both as a tactician and talented solicitor-advocate."

Richard East, the senior partner at Quinn Emanuel said, "Kilaniotis has an impressive track record for winning complex competition disputes and achieving very favorable out-of-court settlements. He has the legal and technical skills our clients demand."

Meanwhile, Kate Vernon, who joined the firm in 2016, stated, "The firm is building a compelling competition litigation brand in London and Kilaniotis will be integral to that process. We have a significant caseload of work and a fantastic business that is continually growing, so another partner, especially of Kilaniotis' experience and seniority, is a no-brainer to allow us to continue our upwards trajectory."

Kilaniotis a UK-Cypriot lawyer, has previously worked with PwC Legal and Herbert Smith Freehills. His experience spans challenges to regulators, including the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) at the first instance and appellate levels. His prominent cases include challenging the CMA's decision to allow Eurotunnel's merger with Sea France.

His other significant works include representing Mike Ashley's St. James Holdings against the Premier League over the contested sale of Newcastle United to the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund. His experience of consumer class actions in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) is highly valued.

Kilaniotis has represented tech giant Google in defence of opt-out consumer class action proceedings brought in the CAT over its Play Store. He has claimant experience in credit card litigation, including interchange fees.

The law firm is currently representing UK consumers in a multi-billion-pound collective action against Meta. It was lodged on behalf of over 40 million consumers over the tech giant's dominant market position in the UK.