Law firm Shoosmiths has opened an office in Brussels and recruited experienced lawyer Kiran Desai to meet growing client demand for European Union competition, regulatory and trade law advice.

Dual-qualified in Belgium and in England and Wales, Kiran was previously the EU competition law leader at EY Law and prior to that the managing partner of the Brussels office of Mayer Brown.

The Brussels office is Shoosmiths’ first outside of the UK and meets two strategic objectives for the firm.

The first is an enhanced ability to service clients’ combined UK and EU competition, regulatory and trade law needs. A Brussels presence will enhance Shoosmiths’ ability to provide EU advice which has become an increasingly relevant factor for the firm’s corporate clients in the post Brexit environment.

The second is access to relevant and quality talent – particularly in the fields of international trade, competition, EU regulation, and privacy and data, where Brussels is a prime location.

Kiran has broad and deep experience of advising clients on competition law as well as EU regulatory laws. He has worked for clients in many sectors, such as air transport, automotive, chemicals, life sciences and is particularly active in relation to clients in the media and technology sectors. He will work alongside Shoosmiths’ head of competition law Simon Barnes.

Simon Boss, Shoosmiths’ CEO, said: “The opening of a Brussels office meets our commitment to being able to advise clients, both national and international, on all aspects of law relevant to the UK. The EU is the UK’s largest trading partner and the influence of EU law on international jurisprudence and legal policy is significant.”

Alex Bishop, head of the dispute resolution and litigation practice at Shoosmiths, which includes competition and competition litigation, said: “A presence in the EU combined with Kiran’s highly regarded capabilities, in particular his competition litigation experience, further enhances our successful competition practice and unlocks additional opportunities for growth.”

Kiran Desai, head of Shoosmiths’ Brussels operations, said: “Shoosmiths’ strong position in the UK legal market, its growth over the last few years and its ambition were key attractions for me. The EU/UK interface will be a significant subject for UK businesses and those doing business into the UK. The firm’s strengths in a number of sectors means a Brussels-based practice is a strategic initiative for Shoosmiths to ensure it continues to be able to service the needs of its growing client base.”

Simon Barnes, head of Shoosmiths’ competition practice, said: “The ongoing government review of the UK’s competition regime, as well as the general increase in transactional activity requiring competition law input, means now is the perfect time to invest further in our competition law practice. Kiran brings with him a breadth and depth of experience that will enhance our offering, both in the UK and at an EU level.”