Johan Karlsson heads Vinge’s EU, Competition & Regulatory practice group. With more than twenty years’ experience he is one of the most reputable competition law experts in Sweden and since many years, ranked as one of the best. Johan is the co-author of the Swedish handbook on competition law Konkurrensrätt - en handbok (5th ed., 2014) and has published a number of articles in leading journals and other publications. He is regularly retained as a speaker at conferences and seminars, and is active in several forums and networks within the field of competition law.
Mentions
‘The detailed knowledge of our industry is a huge reason for why we choose to work with Johan Karlsson, who also genuinely seems interested to understand our industry. Johan is also appreciated for not always “seeing the worst” in his legal interpretations but adapting a modern way of applying the legislation. Together with Trine Osen Bergqvist they have become an outstanding team on which advice you can firmly rely on.’
‘Johan Karlsson is a very skilled competition lawyer. Teaming up with Jakob Jeanrond, who complements him well, makes them a very sharp team.’ - Legal 500 2021
Johan Karlsson is commended by sources for his
"experience in high-level cases" and "good standing in the market."
He is particularly adept at navigating complex behavioural issues and investigations before Swedish and European competition authorities. Chambers & Partners 2021
Johan Karlsson earns acclaim as a “main competitor” among peers who regard him as
Johan Karlsson provides us with world-class advice tailored to our industry. He is always available and able to describe complex competition law issues in a simple way for clients. He is highly appreciated and respected throughout the company. - Legal 500 2020
Johan Karlsson receives strong praise from clients, who describe him as a "really excellent lawyer; he knows our business very well so it's very easy to get precise, on-point advice."His well-regarded competition practice encompasses merger clearance, dawn raids and cartel disputes, including damages proceedings. - Chambers & Partners 2020
Johan Karlsson has over two decades' experience advising on the full spectrum of competition law mandates, advising on a broad range of disputes and investigations, including dawn raids. A client describes him as a "senior lawyer with high competence and market insight." Chambers & Partners 2019
Sources regularly name Johan Karlsson as amongst the leading competition lawyers in Sweden - Chambers & Partners 2018
Johan Karlsson is hailed as “one of the best competition lawyers in Sweden; he always delivers and is a good discussion partner.” He is well versed in handling both contentious and non-contentious issues. - Chambers & Partners 2017
Clients describe Johan Karlsson as "one of the best in Sweden, if not the best, for competition law." He has recently acted on a number of leading merger cases, as well as representing clients in antitrust litigation. - Chambers & Partners 2016
Practice head Johan Karlsson remains highly valued by all commentators for his significant competition law expertise, and for"his ability to make very mature judgements on how to proceed." - Chambers & Partners 2015
Johan Karlsson is appreciated by clients and recognised by peers for his exceptionally high-quality work. One client commented:“He has a solid legal knowledge and high integrity; you can always trust his advice.” - Chambers & Partners 2014
Johan Karlsson comes highly recommended for his competition law knowledge as well as his responsiveness and business-oriented approach. An impressed client reports: "He saved the day on a crucial case" - Chambers & Partners 2013
"Speedy and extremely competent” - Legal 500, 2012
Johan Karlsson is a leading figure in the Stockholm office and is described as “very talented; right to the point with his advice.” - Chambers & Partners 2011
Appointed by the Government as an expert in the inquiry about Extended powers for the Swedish Competition Authority (Committee Directive 2015:48)
Appointed by the Swedish Competition Authority as Non-Governmental Advisor (NGA) in the International Network of Competition Authorities (ICN).
Member of expert forums and networks, including inter alia ICC Sweden’s Competition Group, Lex Mundi Antitrust Competition and Trade Group, European Competition Lawyers Forum (ECLF), American Bar Association’s Section of Antitrust Law and International Bar Association’s Antitrust and Trade Law Section.
