About Me

As a partner in our competition & EU team in Paris, I specialise in contentious and non-contentious national and European competition law, compliance, commercial and distribution law. I am also active in the anti-bribery and corruption compliance sphere.

Offering our clients long-standing expertise in advising on cartel investigations and preparing leniency applications before the European Commission and the French Competition Authority, I also help develop and implement competition and compliance programmes and provide assistance in notifying transactions to the regulators.

On the commercial side of my practice, I have in-depth experience in advising clients on the structuring of selective, exclusive or franchise distribution networks across Europe, as well as on supplier-distributor relationships and sales regulations. I am also able to assist our clients in the management of their product liability issues.

In the field of compliance, I help our clients to implement their anti-bribery prevention program and whistle-blowing systems under the French 'Sapin II' regulations. I also carry out internal investigations.

My experience of competition law covers several different angles. I have not only worked on competition law issues in practice, but in-house and in a professional internship at the French Competition Authority. Before joining the team here at Bird & Bird in Paris, I worked in the Paris office of a major global law firm for 14 years.

I often take part in industry seminars and conferences and am the author of several articles on competition law. Today, I am a member of the association of competition law practitioners (APDC) as well as the French association for the study of competition law (AFEC).

I speak French and English.
Education

Studied

  • EFB, CAPA
  • The University of Manchester, LL.M, International Law
  • Université Robert Schuman (Strasbourg III), Maîtrise droit des affaires

Admissions

  • Paris Bar, France (2001)
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Testimonials

Thomas Oster is well reputed for his excellent skills, along with his ability to handle sensitive matters. He focuses on French and European competition law. He also advises on distribution law and consumer protection cases.

Chambers Europe 2017

His modesty, his pragmatism, his ability to listen, and also his technical competences. I would also say that he is reliable with deadlines, his command – he is fully bilingual.

Acritas Star 2017

I particularly appreciate the availability and contact with Thomas Oster and the team. The approach is very business-oriented and takes into account the specifics of the client's activities.
In addition to his great technical skills in competition and distribution law, Thomas Oster has a very good understanding of economic issues.

Legal 500 2023

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