Helen has extensive experience in all aspects of competition law, including merger control, cartels, dominance, vertical restraints and state aid. Clients value her in-house and private practice expertise, which allows her to understand business drivers and offer clear and practical advice, even in the most complex of matters. She has particular expertise and interest in digital markets, including mergers in this field and the convergence of competition law with consumer and data protection. She also advises on competition law issues in a wide variety of other sectors, including life sciences, energy, industrial/chemical and sustainability.
Helen joined De Brauw in September 2018, moving from her position as Director Competition Law at Akzo Nobel NV, where she was responsible for competition law and merger control matters globally. Prior to this, Helen spent 12 years advising clients on competition law at two international law firms in London, Brussels and Amsterdam. She has worked extensively with economists across a range of matters.
“Hands-on, easy to access, cooperative while maintaining a helicopter view. In particular, Helen Gornall is truly pleasant to work with as she understands the position an in-house counsel is in. Her availability on all hours of the day is very amazing.”
Profession
Solicitor, admitted to the bar in England & Wales in 2004 / Advocaat, admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 2007
Languages
English, Dutch, French
Education
University of Durham
Nottingham Law School
Kings College London
Additional positions
Non-governmental advisor to the Dutch competition authority ("ACM") supporting its membership of the International Competition Network
Lecturer in competition law (Grotius Academie)
Member of the Dutch leadership team of W@, which promotes and mentors female competition law specialists
1 June 2022
20 April 2022
3 February 2022
3 February 2022
31 December 2021
28 June 2022
25 May 2022
19 April 2022
23 March 2022
23 March 2022