Covington Bolsters EU Competition and Litigation Practice with Addition of Justice Nils Wahl

BRUSSELS—Nils Wahl has joined Covington’s EU Competition and Litigation Practice based in the firm’s Brussels office.

Nils served as a judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) between 2019 and 2024. He had previously held positions of Advocate General before the Court (2012-2019), and a judge before the General Court (2006-2012).

From 2001 to 2006, Nils chaired the Swedish Council for European Legal Research and was a member of the Swedish Competition Authority’s independent research council. He was a professor of EU law at Stockholm University from 2001 to 2024, and since 2025 visiting professor at University of Uppsala.

Lisa Peets, co-chair of Covington’s Technology and Communications Regulation Practice Group and a member of the firm’s global Management Committee, said: “Longstanding legislation such as the GDPR, alongside new European rules, including the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, Foreign Subsidies Regulation and new ESG laws, have led to an explosion in EU litigation. Nils’ extraordinary breadth of experience positions him well to help our clients strategize on the many important matters involving the European courts.”

Johan Ysewyn, co-chair of Covington’s global Competition Practice, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Nils to the team. Nils has a unique experience in the competition area, which, coupled with the firm’s depth across the full spectrum of regulated areas, from competition, life sciences and technology to data privacy and environment, will be a valuable asset to our clients around the world.”

Nils added: “I am looking forward to contributing to Covington’s impressive regulatory and litigation expertise. Given the increasing complexity of European law and its profound impact on national and international legal systems, understanding and effectively negotiating the CJEU’s rulings and procedures is essential for navigating the evolving global legal landscape.”

Nils holds a Masters of Law and a PhD from Stockholm University. He speaks Swedish, English and French.