Vaibhav Adlakha

Vaibhav brings a wealth of experience in advising on national security, foreign direct investment, merger control, public procurement, risk management policies, and risk exposure profiles. His proficiency extends to navigating complex legal frameworks, including the light-touch regime, state aid and subsidy control rules, as well as non-disclosure and collaboration agreements. Vaibhav has also played a pivotal role in EU merger and CMA merger notifications, along with the submission of briefing notes, securing clearances from both the EU Commission and the CMA. Vaibhav’s practice also includes dealing with legal issues relating to public interest, the National Security and Investment Act, price control determination references, and distribution agreements – key legal themes that have characterised the competition landscape in recent years. He has helped clients obtain clearances on various complex transactions from the UK government and the Investment Security Unit. Vaibhav is recognised as a key lawyer in the area of EU and Competition by The Legal 500 UK, where he is recommended for his “impressive” knowledge of state aid and FDI compliance. Clients have noted that Vaibhav is well respected, committed, and dependable. “Vaibhav Adlakha is an impressive lawyer. He is proactive, smart, service-oriented and has a thoughtful and commercial approach to the law.”

Vaibhav has also advised on aspects of fund marketing, such as pre-marketing, marketing, reverse solicitation, and passporting. He has advised on financial promotions, capital requirement regulations, and corporate lending services.

Vaibhav trained at Reed Smith LLP, sitting in admiralty, banking and finance, competition and antitrust, as well as financial regulation. He qualified in September 2018, focusing on competition and financial regulation.

He has co-authored many articles and client alerts published both internally and externally. He is a frequent contributor to ICN, EMLO, and government consultations and initiatives on national security. Vaibhav is an active participant in culture & engagement initiatives and is the associate chair of Reed Smith LEADRS Business Inclusion Group. He was named winner of the Future Leader: D&I category at the 2021 Chambers Europe awards.

Vaibhav is responsible for coordinating pro bono matters for the Regulatory & Investigations Group’s London team. He has advised clients, including Against All Odds Still Standing and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, on public procurement issues and policies. He has contributed to the World Bank Group research on competition law for the United Kingdom. He also supports and leads collaboration with Face Equality International, advising on disability legislation and international human rights legislation to combat discrimination against people with facial disfigurements.