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Michael Reynolds, a leading competition lawyer and former International Bar Association (IBA) president, has died, aged 75.
Warm tributes to Reynolds, who was a longstanding partner at legacy firm Allen & Overy (A&O) and set up its Brussels office in 1979, have been led by former A&O senior partner David Morley and new IBA president Jaime Carey.
“One of the greats of the firm has fallen,” Morley said, adding: “I was his trainee for six months when I was the first trainee at the firm to be sent to an office outside the UK – just him, me and a PA. I have considered him a loyal partner and a friend ever since.”
Morley described Reynolds as “a brilliant lawyer, and a world-class raconteur and speaker”, adding that he was “an unashamed sybarite who loved a good party and above all a man with a heart of gold”.
In a joint statement with IBA executive director Mark Ellis, Carey said Reynolds would be remembered as one of the IBA’s “finest leaders”. They added: “Reynolds was a truly exceptional individual. A towering figure in the legal profession who not only left an indelible mark on the field of antitrust law but also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of justice.”
Reynolds spent more than 50 years at A&O, representing European, US, Japanese and other international clients in many important cases before the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union.
He advised the governments of Spain, Russia, Poland and Romania on how to apply European Union (EU) law. He retired as a partner in 2016 to become a counsel, a role he held until his death.
Before becoming IBA president, Reynolds held several senior positions, including vice president, secretary general and legal practice division chair. He was a director and founding member of the IBA Global Forum on Competition, its flagship Florence conference.
At A&O, Reynolds worked closely with fellow partner Stephen Denyer, another senior IBA figure, who died last year.
Looking back on his career in 2013, he said: “When people question why Allen & Overy is so involved in the IBA, I remind them that our IBA relationships helped create some of the relationships we enjoy now, including enabling us to establish ourselves in Eastern European countries, where we later established offices.”
A spokesperson for A&O said: “Michael dedicated his entire 50-year career to the firm, founding our Brussels office in 1979 and playing a pivotal role in establishing and growing our competition team into the strong practice it is today.
“He was not only an exceptional lawyer and leader, but also a cherished friend. Michael leaves an enduring legacy, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.”
Carey added: “Universally admired, Michael was revered by IBA staff and captivated the membership with his extraordinary intellect, vivacious personality, sharp wit, warmth and remarkable linguistic abilities – arguably the most gifted polyglot ever to lead the IBA. He was one of the great individuals who made up the IBA, unselfishly dedicating extraordinary expertise and time to the Association.”
Former Law Society president Christina Blacklaws, who represents England and Wales on the IBA’s council, called Reynolds “a renowned solicitor of England and Wales”, adding that the Law Society was “particularly saddened to hear of his passing”.
Quinn Emanuel competition partner Trevor Soames, who will shortly join Geradin Partners, described Reynolds as “a leading member of the original generation of pathfinder British lawyers who went to Brussels and focused on EEC (later EU) law”.
“Michael was a wonderfully friendly and engaging lawyer, much liked by all,” he added, recalling that he was also “a formidable multilingual networker; his annual speeches in Italian at the IBA competition conference were always entertaining”.
Reynolds, who died on 26 January, is survived by his husband David.
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