Steptoe & Johnson boosts its Brussels office

Steptoe & Johnson LLP is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Sánchez Rydelski has joined its Brussels office as a Senior Attorney. Dr. Sánchez, previously with White & Case, has been practising European law for over 15 years in both private practice and as counsel to international institutions. His career in international organizations included working for the European Commission, the Office of the Legal Counsel of the United Nations and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Surveillance Authority.

Dr. Sánchez’ experience consists primarily in advising governments and public bodies on their international obligations arising under the European Union Treaties and the European Economic Area Agreement. In particular, with more than twelve years of experience and involvement in many high profile cases, Dr. Sánchez has achieved recognition as a prominent State aid expert. He has pleaded numerous important State aid cases before the European Court of Justice and the European Free Trade Agreement Court.  Dr. Sánchez  is a frequent speaker at State aid conferences and has published numerous articles and books, which are considered to be at the cutting edge in the field. 

Dr. Sánchez has also advised upon and argued cases in areas such as competition, freedom of establishment, free movement of capital, State monopolies, public procurement, social security and intellectual property rights.

Prior to returning to private practice in summer 2007, Dr. Sánchez served as Deputy Director in the Legal Service of the EFTA Surveillance Authority, where he was also appointed as Hearing Officer for competition cases. A native of Germany, he is a member of both the Hamburg and Brussels Bars.

Jean Russotto, senior partner in the firm’s Brussels office, commented: “Dr. Sánchez’ practice offers strong synergy with several of the Brussels office practice areas and, in particular fits well with our international trade, competition and financial regulation teams.”

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For more information, contact Robert Harris (European Marketing Manager), +44(0)20 7367 8054,  rharris@steptoe.com