Michel Petite

Michel Petite, former head of the European Commission's Legal Service, joined 'Magic Circle' law firm Clifford Chance in January 2008.

Background

The appointment came at a time when top law firms were reporting an increase in regulatory work coming their way. Petite had been in the EC role for six years before moving to Clifford Chance. In total he had worked at the European Commission for 28 years.

In his role at the law firm he is advising clients on EU issues, working closely with its public policy practice, as well as the firm's anti-trust, trade, banking and taxation teams. He will also advise on international commercial law and litigation at the World Trade Organisation court. The EC's Legal Service advises the EC on proposed legislation and investigates business accused of breaking European law.

Simon Baxter, head of Clifford Chance's European competition and regulatory group, said: "Michel is one of the most senior EU officials to have moved into private practice, and is the first head of the Legal Service to make such a move."

Affiliations

• European Commission - Director General of the Legal Service (2001-2008), adviser from 1979, Commission Presidents, Jacques Delors, Romano Prodi and Jose Manuel Barroso
• Clifford Chance - adviser on competition and regulatory issues (2008- )

This article is part of the EU Revolving Door project of SpinWatch.

Resources

• Cliffor Chance, "Clifford Chance recruits the Head of the European Commission's Legal Service," 10 January 2008, accessed 31 January 2010.
• Herman, Michael, "Clifford Chance hires EC legal chief," 10 January 2008, Times Online, accessed 31 January 2010.