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Christopher Vajda QC: What the Directories say

"Christopher Vajda QC is an experienced litigator and adviser, specialising in European, competition, public and tax law. Known as an "intellectual powerhouse who provides brilliant analysis," he appears regularly in the House of Lords, Court of Appeal, High Court and ECJ." - Chambers UK, 2010

Chambers UK, 2010 descibes Christopher as an "individual who is fully familiar with the leading cases of the day, Christopher Vajda QC "is a creative, versatile lawyer, who is prepared to roll up his sleeves." His recent sorties include representing the claimant in Devenish Nutrition v Sanofi-Aventis."

"Popular, the "well-trusted, consistently impressive and highly committed" Christopher Vajda QC is "a consummate handler of all procurement issues," - Chambers UK, 2010

Chambers UK, 2010 under telecommunications states "Christopher Vajda QC "gets the point across very well in court" and remains an obvious port of call for a range of competition, European and public law matters. Like Roth, he has also been working on a Hong Kong matter, handling a dispute between fixed and mobile operators over the price of the interconnection charge. In other matters, he also advised the UK government in a challenge brought by operators over the treatment of VAT on spectrum licences."

"Christopher Vajda QC "can always be trusted to give a thoughtful and considered answer," report sources. His practice mixes competition and public law, and he recently acted for Ofcom in a major challenge from the government of Bermuda." - Chambers UK, 2010

Legal 500, 2009 - highly rates Christopher Vajda QC for 'an incredible intellect' in Administrative & Public Law.  Under EU and Competition: illustrious "Christopher Vajda QC 'has gracious advocacy skills, which veil an unexpectedly direct, and rigorous cross-examination style'." "'Direct and down to earth' Christopher Vajda QC acted in the multi-party dispute of Bookmakers Afternoon Greyhound Services"" in Media, Entertainment and Sport

Chambers UK, 2009 under Competition and EU law state "Christopher Vajda QC “wears his enormous intellect lightly.” This “great team player” is not only applauded for his “first-class forensic skills,” but is also highly praised for his “charm and approachability.”"

On Procurement: "“Accomplished advocate” Christopher Vajda QC advises central government departments and local authorities on public procurement matters generally. He maintains the set's strong tradition in this area"

On Tax: "Christopher Vajda QC takes an “incredibly cerebral approach” to VAT, amongst other matters, and is particularly adept at work at the intersection of VAT and completion law. He regularly appears in the ECJ, House of Lords, Chancery Division and Court of Appeal, and recently acted for HMRC on Condé Nast v HMRC, Newcastle United v HMRC, LMUK v HMRC and Total UK v HMRC."

On Telecommunications: "It is able to approach its cases with confidence as it has barristers of the caliber of Christopher Vajda QC, “a man of enormous intellect” who has acted in a number of proceedings before the ECJ, Court of First Instance and CAT. Vajda represented the UK in a state aid challenge to the way in which BT's network is assessed for business rates, and further acted for Ofcom in a case concerning access to the Sky platform."

Christopher Vajda QC is recommended in the Admin and Public and EU and Competition sections of The Legal 500, 2008. " Pre-eminent figure Christopher Vajda QC is seen as 'calm at all times', and frequently brought in to handle 'difficult' and 'technical' cases. Solicitors admire his cerebral intellect and analytical ability."

On EU / Competition: "...“Meticulous and determined” Christopher Vajda QC is regarded by contemporaries as “a real roll up your sleeves kind of guy.” Industrious and in possession of “first-class intellectual skills,” he is noted for his “excellent knowledge of broadcasting issues.”"
On Procurement: "Both “extremely academic” and “good on his feet,” Christopher Vajda QC has been advising public authorities on public procurement and state aid issues."
On Tax: "...“Clever EU lawyer” Christopher Vajda QC is known for the strength of his analysis and drafting, as well as his “rigorously intellectual and sharp” courtroom manner."
On Telecomms: "...“Intellectual powerhouse” Christopher Vajda QC has a practice that reflects much of the work done in Chambers. Possessed of a broad practice, his competition and EU expertise sees him appearing in cases before the CAT and in Europe. Recently, he has handled a couple of Ofcom cases and appeared in Bouygues v Commission, acting for Société Française de Radiotéléphonie in a state aid challenge to the grant of 3G licences in France." - Chambers UK, 2008

The Legal 500, 2007 recommends: "The pre-eminent Christopher Vajda QC is frequently identified for his immense intellect, though always remaining 'calm' and 'part of the team'. Solicitors regard him as a 'pleasure to work with'. He is particularly recommended for CAT and Court of Appeal work as well as European cases before the ECJ and CFI." in their EU/Competition section, while also listing him as a leading silk for Admin and Public Law.

On EU/Competition: "Christopher Vajda QC's “first-class forensic and intellectual abilities” make him “a very dangerous opponent” in any case. He is credited with a brilliant gift for strategy that contributes to his success in both the competition and broader EU spheres."
On Procurement: "Christopher Vajda QC comes at procurement via state aid and is noted as a “serious player” in this arena. Clients appreciate his “willingness to enter into a dialogue and the speed with which he turns things around.”
On Tax: "Christopher Vajda QC is a new addition to the list and arrives in recognition of the reputation he has in major VAT cases before the ECJ and VAT Tribunal. He has acted for the likes of Debenhams, Vodafone, Kingfisher and Courts in high-profile tax avoidance cases. He advises private clients and is also instructed by both the revenue and customs sides of the HMRC. Commentators highlighted his intelligence and “skill at looking at a set of papers and really getting to the heart of the matter.” His experience in criminal and human rights law is also an important asset and is something that gives his practice additional insight and breadth."
On Telecommunications: "Extremely good at giving a fresh competition law/administrative law approach to telecoms issues,” Christopher Vajda QC was also described by practitioners as being “the perfect choice when you're looking to attack a decision of Ofcom - he's good at helping to unpick weaknesses in the decision.” - Chambers UK, 2007

On administrative and public law: "Christopher Vajda QC is widely respected for strong analytical skills combined with creative thinking, and was recently involved in Racecourse Association & Others v OFT, as well as representing various schools in the OFT fee investigation." and on EU and competition law: "The seasoned Christopher Vajda QC is continually applauded for his immense intellect and analytical skills in the broad spectrum of EU and competition matters." - The Legal 500, 2006

"Solicitors felt fellow silk Christopher Vajda QC is "a must-have on any team" thanks to his unparalleled knowledge of EU law. He has received instructions from a number of city firms on Court of First Instance, CAT and ECJ proceedings. Recent innovative work includes acting for RCA against the OFT. This was a CAT case involving the application of the Competition Act 1998 to the sale of sports media rights. He also appeared in Genzyme Limited v OFT, the first case regarding the application of the Competition Act 1998 to margin squeeze." - Chambers UK, 2006

"The "impeccable" and "erudite" Christopher Vadja is "an outstanding analytical lawyer, who has proved himself to be a first-rate advocate in CAT, CFI and the ECJ. Vadja is a creative thinker, who always demonstrates tremendous under-standing of the law, its impact on the client and the financial realities." - Legal Week, February 2006

On administrative and public law: "Christopher Vajda QC is strong on the advisory side as well as being a good advocate, and was recently involved in a challenge on behalf of low fare airlines to an EC Regulation giving passengers compensation for delayed and cancelled flights.” and on EU and competition law: "The seasoned Christopher Vajda QC is regularly picked out as one of the leading analytical minds at the Bar. A fine advocate, he impresses clients while on his feet and is frequently employed in major cases and has appeared in the CFI and ECJ countless times." - The Legal 500, 2005

"The "very thorough" Christopher Vajda QC was highlighted for his "care and attention to detail" and "primo track record with the Court of Appeal." He is particularly good at state aid and public/private regulation, notably appearing in Sumitomo v Commission. This was an appeal at the Court of First Instance, regarding an alleged EC Article 81 cartel infringement by European and Japanese oil pipe producers." - Chambers UK, 2005

“... Christopher Vajda QC, another tenant of Monckton Chambers, is also well thought of, with his expertise in state aid singled out as a key strength.” - Legal Week, August 2005

"The analytical Christopher Vajda QC makes regular appearances in the CFI and the ECJ, demonstrating his credentials for the big occasion. Solicitors also highlight his knowledge of broadcasting regulatory matters." He is also recommended as a Leading Silk for Administrative and Public Law. - The Legal 500, 2004

"The intellectual firepower on offer at this set is a fitting tribute to its founder Walter Monckton KC. One in three of its tenants are QCs and the set "furnishes the very best in commercial and public lawyers," many of whom have significant competition/EU practices. ... Similarly blessed [first-class intellect and all-round comprehension of the subject], Christopher Vajda QC elicits praise for "reliability, efficiency and creative thinking," and has recently acted on two major state aid matters involving the Horseracing Levy Board and a lottery grant to Brighton West Pier Trust. ..." - Chambers UK, 2004