Gibson Dunn boosts competition bench with Brussels partner hire

Gibson Dunn has hired Adam Dawson as a partner in its Brussels office, strengthening its European competition law bench.

Dawson joins from Baker Botts, where he was made partner in 2023 after more than a decade at the US firm. He began his career at Clifford Chance before moving to Baker Botts in 2013. His practice spans merger control, foreign investment screening and antitrust investigations, with experience covering sectors from life sciences and tech to chemicals and air transport.

European growth

Brussels serves as the hub of Gibson Dunn’s European antitrust practice - a key part of any top-tier cross-border M&A and private equity platform. The office now has 15 lawyers, including six partners, according to the firm’s website.

Dawson’s arrival continues a run of investment in Europe this year.

In February, the firm pulled off a high-profile four-lawyer hiring spree in London, bringing in restructuring specialists Chris Howard and Presley Warner from Sullivan & Cromwell alongside funds experts James O’Donnell and Hannah Watson Fanin from DLA Piper. Since then, it has added asset finance partner James Cameron from Milbank and real estate duo Hayden Cameron and Mark Manson-Bahr from A&O Shearman.

What they said

Christian Riis-Madsen, co-chair of Gibson Dunn’s antitrust practice, said: "Adam’s arrival marks a significant step in the growth of our European antitrust platform".

He added: "His deep experience in merger control and antitrust matters, especially in the life sciences and technology sectors, complements our global practice and enhances our ability to serve clients in complex cross-border matters."