The Legal 500

Gilbert + Tobin is ‘strong across the whole spectrum of competition issues’, and ‘superb’ in cartel cases. The ‘impressive’ Luke Woodward shows ‘great judgement’; he recently acted for two international airlines in Federal Court proceedings for alleged price fixing, while Gina Cass-Gottlieb is ‘easy to work with’. Colleen Platford and Andrew Floro defended Google in an online advertising case against the ACCC, and Catherine Dermody regularly handles inbound referral work from US law firms. Martyn Taylor left for Norton Rose Australia.

The ‘very responsive’ team at Herbert Smith Freehills’ advises on cartel cases, merger clearances, and price signalling, and recently advised North West Shelf on competition aspects of a natural gas project. Patrick Gay made partner in 2011, and Daniel Preston joined from Ashurst LLP in 2012. The ‘practical’ Peter McDonald is a key name to note.

Allen & Overy LLP assisted SABMiller in gaining unconditional clearance for its A$12.3bn acquisition of Foster’s Group, and advised Seagate Technology on its takeover of Samsung’s hard disk drive business. The ‘excellent’ Dave Poddar provides ‘commercial and strategic advice’, and shows an ‘excellent understanding of the political influences on competition policy’.

Allens lost a senior figure when Wendy Peter left to become General Counsel at the ACCC in 2011. Team leader Fiona Crosbie is ‘very good’ on merger clearance problems, while the ‘excellent’ David Brewster counts ExxonMobil and Rio Tinto as clients. Trade practice specialist Jacqueline Downes is also recommended.

Ashurst LLP remains active despite several recent departures; it advised Tronox on the purchase of mineral operations owned by Exxaro, and was instructed by Sinopec on transactional competition matters. Peter Armitage heads the practice, and is recommended along with Liza Carver and Jane Ellis.

Clayton Utz is ‘one of the best’ for merger clearance advice; Linda Evans advised Origin Energy on its successful bid for Country Energy and Integral Energy, and Michael Corrigan assisted HP on gaining clearance for the divestment of its plastic and packaging business to Visy. Elsewhere, Bruce Lloyd and the ‘hard working’ Kirsten Webb advised NBN Co on regulatory issues concerning its relationships with telecoms carriers.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth recruited the ‘technically excellent’ Ayman Guirguis from Ashurst LLP in 2012. He provides ‘fast, efficient and accurate advice’ on access to infrastructure in the energy and resources sectors. The ‘talented’ Mark McCowan advises large corporates on ACCC investigations and litigation. Richard Flitcroft is regarded for his ‘pragmatic approach’ and ‘strong understanding of client needs’.

Johnson Winter & Slattery’s ‘solid’ group handles both contentious and non-contentious cases, and provides ‘frank advice’ on merger clearance matters. Aldo Nicotra continues to advise Qantas Airways on tie-ups, alliances and cartel litigation, and well-regarded team head John Kench is advising energy and resources firms (including Origin Energy) on proposed mergers and acquisition targets. The ‘outstanding’ Calum Henderson’always considers the broader implications of competition issues’. Sar Katdare made partner in 2012.

King & Wood Mallesons has a ‘strong presence in Asia’, and has significant energy sector experience. The team provides ‘practical advice’ that is ‘easily translated into action’. Team head Sharon Henrick provides ‘succinct’ advice, and Wayne Leach recently assisted Glencore in gaining clearance for its takeover of Xstrata. Stephen Ridgeway was recruited from Ashurst LLP to boost the Melbourne office.

Baker & Mckenzie’s ‘highly knowledgeable’ team provides ‘very high levels of service’, and ‘business appropriate advice’ that ranges from fair trade to ACCC compliance and merger clearance. Andy Christopher is a ‘stand-out’ practitioner, and Georgina Foster ‘quickly assesses relevant issues’. Clients include Aldi and Mars.

DLA Piper Australia’s métier is restrictive trade and competition regulation. ‘Responsive’ team head Simon Uthmeyer has ‘strong business acumen’ and in-depth ‘airline industry knowledge’; he recently led advice to Cathay Pacific Airways on cartel litigation at the Australian Federal Court. Special counsel Leanne Hanna joined the firm in 2011.

Minter Ellison’s ‘consistently responsive’ practice head Russell Miller is ‘highly rated’, and ‘available at any time’. Paul Schoff heads the cartels team, and merger clearance specialist Geoff Carter recently advised United Parcel Service on its €5.2bn takeover of TNT Express. The ‘exemplary’ Richard Murphy communicates ‘clearly and precisely’, and provides ‘practical ways forward’. Also recommended is Katrina Groshinski, who counts Austereo and CMH as clients.

Norton Rose Australia hired Martyn Taylor from Gilbert + Tobin in 2011. Nick McHugh recently assisted Japan Airlines in reaching a settlement with the ACCC for alleged price fixing. The team is ‘dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals’, often going ‘beyond the call of duty’.

Arnold Bloch Leibler’s ‘effective’ and ‘time-conscious’ team focuses on consumer protection and contentious antitrust cases. It advised Commonwealth Bank on a large marketing campaign, and assisted United Petroleum in gaining acquisition clearance from the ACCC. Zaven Mardirossian has ‘good attention to detail’ and a ‘strategic approach’.

Truman Hoyle has strong ties with Microsoft; it advised on its acquisition of Skype, as well as advising the company on compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act. Other clients include LG and American Express. ‘Responsive’ practice head Kathryn Edghill has ‘good interpersonal skills’ and provides ‘excellent value for money’.