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“Sarah Ward is a delight to work with. She is a strong lawyer with years of experience who has fantastic working knowledge of merger control and FDI. She is our go-to for advice in these areas.”

Client quote

Sarah is a Partner in our Competition and Foreign Investment team. With over two decades of experience, she advises clients on all aspects of UK and EU competition law, merger control, foreign direct investment (FDI), consumer protection and subsidy control. Sarah’s practice spans domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters, with particular strength in the house builders, food & drink, retail and defence sectors. She is known for translating complex legal and economic concepts into practical, commercial advice that aligns with her clients’ strategic goals.

Sarah works closely with household names, large corporates and private equity firms, as well as leading law firms in London and internationally. She frequently receives instructions from foreign law firms and helps develop and maintain relationships with such firms as a member of Walker Morris’ International Committee.

Memberships/professional associations:

  • International Bar Association (IBA)

Awards:

  • Ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers UK
  • The only UK lawyer recommended outside London for Competition Law in Chambers & Partners Global Guide 2025
Cases

Extensive in-house experience through secondments at De Beers, Unilever, Tesco and Royal Mail.

Representing a Manchester-based property developer in one of the first subsidy control challenges brought before the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Advised Trina Solar on the NSIA review of its acquisition of a 50% stake in the Bicker Fen energy project, which resulted in a call-in by the Secretary of State and a Final Order - one of only ten imposed in 2024.

Advised Hovis on the CMA's Phase 2 investigation into its proposed acquisition by Associated British Foods plc, which produces bakery products under the Kingsmill, Sunblest and Allinson's brands.

“Sarah Ward is a delight to work with. She is a strong lawyer with years of experience who has fantastic working knowledge of merger control and FDI. She is our go-to for advice in these areas.”

Client quote

Sarah Ward has unparalleled experience within the region. She is great to work with, and you always feel prioritised and that she is on top of the case.

Sarah Ward has an approachable, can-do approach to client relationships and is great at offering thought-through solutions and clear guidance when we need it most.

Chambers & Partners

Sarah Ward provides practical and insightful advice and is a “go to” lawyer for us in this area.

Legal 500

‘My experience of the WM competition team is that it provides city quality competition advice, relevant to our sector, and is commercial in its outlook.’

‘We enjoy working with Walker Morris. Sarah Ward is a key contact and can provide city level advice at regional fee rates.’

Legal 500

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