Freshfields partner quits to team with Neelie Kroes

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Brussels partner Vanessa Turner has been appointed to the European Commission, winning a role assisting the competition commissioner.

Turner, who has been a partner with Freshfields since 2000, will work alongside commissioner Neelie Kroes and will have responsibility for merger control and antitrust issues when she takes up her position on 1 April.

David Aitman, global co-head of Freshfields' antitrust, competition and trade practice, said: "This is tremendous news for Vanessa. We are delighted the commission has recognised Vanessa's excellent experience in the field of antitrust and merger control. It is unusual for a senior policy role like this to be filled by someone from private practice, which indicates Vanessa's strong reputation and breadth of experience."

Turner, who is English and German qualified, has advised a number of clients before the European Commission, European courts and national authorities on the EC Treaty. She has advised on multi-jurisdictional matters including international mergers and cartels.

Turner, who will leave Freshfields to take up the new position, was unavailable for comment.