Herbert Smith Freehills strengthens EMEA competition litigation team with partner hire

Thorsten joins from Freshfields. He has a particular focus on antitrust litigation, defending clients in court and out-of-court in cartel damage claims, strategic defence against international mass claims as well as negotiating and drafting tailor-made settlements. He has been involved in private follow-on damage cases across a variety of industry sectors including trucks, various automotive supplies, rail tracks and chipboard.

At Herbert Smith Freehills, Thorsten will work closely with partner Marcel Nuys and his team, as well as the broader competition disputes team. 

Paulino Fajardo, Regional Head of Dispute Resolution for EMEA, comments: "We have developed a reputation for handling some of the largest, high profile and complex competition damages cases in Europe. Adding Thorsten to our competition litigation team serves to deepen and extend our expertise in this area, especially in relation to class actions. We're excited to bring him on board." 

Patricia Nacimiento, Head of Disputes Germany, comments: "The German Disputes practice encompasses investment arbitration, commercial arbitration and litigation, and financial services regulatory, in addition to compliance, internal investigations, and intellectual property. We remain committed to continually enhancing this already substantial offering to meet the needs of our clients. We are looking forward to adding Thorsten to our practice and thereby broaden our expertise at the important interface between litigation and competition."

Marcel Nuys, Head of Competition, Regulation and Trade in Germany, comments: "Legislative changes, new players in the market and claimant funding opportunities have all combined to generate a notable increase in both the number and size of private competition damage proceedings in recent years. Through Thorsten's arrival we are further building an offering in Germany and further afield to support our clients as they get to grips with this shifting landscape. I'm looking forward to working closely with him."

Kyriakos Fountoukakos, Global Head of Competition, Regulation and Trade, comments: "Competition litigation is a key part of our offering and a fast-growing area. Our team has a stellar reputation as the preeminent competition litigation team in the UK and we are expanding our offering in the rest of Europe. Thorsten will be a fantastic addition to our team."

Thorsten Matthies adds: "This is a great opportunity for me to strengthen Herbert Smith Freehills in Germany and EMEA at this interface between Disputes and Competition. I am looking forward to supporting clients in national and international competition litigation matters and creating a 'one stop shop' in the firm's offering in this area."

Thorsten's arrival is the latest growth for the firm in Germany, following the hire of financial services regulatory disputes partner Timo Bühler last year and the hire of private capital partner Gregor Klenk in February. Following Thorsten's hire, the firm will boast 86 professionals including 20 partners across its German offices.