Boutique
On the market for antitrust economics consultancy, a bunch of solo practictioners have embraced the “boutique” business model:
- Some time ago, Juan Briones founded the firm e-Konomica (a strange name, true, for a field of business where free market economics are king);
- More recently, David Spector founded MAPP;
- And even more recently, Paul Höfer created AMC economics.
In addition to competing with the big fish (read CRA International, Compass Lexecon, RBB Economics), those guys are real risk takers, and they should be congratulated.
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Now, could this business model ever be replicated on the market for EU competition legal services?
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A reality check suggests a negative answer. There’s only Biglaw dealing with EU competition cases.
Sure, there is the example of Oswell and Vahida. But the question remains whether this firm (and possibly others) has achieved traction in the market place.
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Chillin'Competition 
The importance of high margin M&A for the bottom line (which is difficult without a sizeable corporate dept) and the brand value of Biglaw (legal service is, often, a credence good) makes life difficult for the sole practioner. On the other hand, there are some exceptions. My hero, although not part of the EU-scene, is Swedish sole competition practioner Eric Ericsson, rated Band 1 by Chambers (www.ericericsson.se/Eric_Ericsson_Advokat_AB/In_English.html). He is literally a one man show.
Madrid Lawyer
16 November 2011 at 9:26 pm
Not sure for the economists, but scale is very important for competition law practitioners. Imagine responding to one, let alone two, SOs on your own …
Damien
17 November 2011 at 3:08 pm