LexisNexis® 40 UNDER 40 2023

Lester Lee

Acting Executive Director (Legal Services)

Competition Commission

Ascending from a top law student at Durham University to a trailblazing figure in competition law, Lester Lee's journey has been nothing short of exceptional. Called to the Bar of England & Wales and the Hong Kong Bar, he transitioned from a private practice specializing in Intellectual Property and Land litigation to join the Commission’s burgeoning legal team in 2015. His early exposure to competition law during his Master’s degree lit a fire that led him to become one of the first locally-bred competition lawyers.

Now occupying the Commission's top legal position, Lester Lee is instrumental in its escalating impact as a law enforcement agency. In just this past year, he led the litigation arm to an astonishing 100% win rate in seven cases at the Competition Tribunal. The excellence under his leadership extends beyond litigation—his team has been pivotal in rising enforcement actions and successful settlements, significantly elevating the Commission’s profile.

Lester Lee’s leadership blends rigorous standards with an open, inclusive ethos. His work ethic and humility inspire colleagues, subordinates, and superiors alike, even in a sector where remuneration is often more modest than in private practice. Beyond his official duties, Lester Lee shapes the future of the legal sector through educational programs, capturing imaginations and honing skills in competition law. He is also dedicated to mentoring, upskilling team members across divisions—a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth.