JWS Consulting is a division of Johnson Winter & Slattery providing commercial consulting services.
Johnson Winter & Slattery is engaged by major businesses, investment funds and government agencies as legal counsel on important transactions and disputes throughout Australia and surrounding regions.
Our news and media coverage including major transaction announcements, practitioner appointments and team expansions.
We support a number of community initiatives and not for profit organisations across Australia through pro bono legal work and charitable donations.
We support a number of organisations through sponsorships.
In protecting your strategic position in the market, it's vital that you are armed with creative and commercial solutions to address competition law problems – whether it be defending regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, getting your deal through the ACCC or following advice to avoid complex competition issues.
Our competition team is ranked as one of the leading teams in Australia. We regularly act for blue chip clients on “bet the firm” competition litigation, mergers and acquisitions and cartel investigations. We have extensive experience dealing with the ACCC and the Australian Competition Tribunal, and particular expertise in defending misuse of market power and other competition claims.
We advise major Australian public companies, multi-national corporations and private enterprises on:
Our industry experience spans agricultural commodities, aviation, building products, energy, food manufacturing, information technology, insurance, manufacturing, media, transport and wines & beverages.
Obtaining ACCC clearance for PepsiCo's US$3.2 billions global acquisition of SodaStream.
Advising in relation to the ACCC’s investigation into its 19.9% acquisition of Alliance Airlines.
Obtaining informal clearance from the ACCC in relation to its $450 million proposed acquisition by Nutrien.
Defending an ACCC prosecution for misuse of market power and exclusive dealing
Advising in relation to a ACCC collective bargaining application by an organisation representing independent exhibitors.
Acted in the long running ACCC prosecution against Colgate Palmolive, PZ Cussons and leading supermarket retailer Woolworths for engaging in alleged price fixing, information sharing and boycott behaviour.
Acting in seeking re-authorisation of promotional conduct with retail brand management businesses.
Advising in relation to the ACCC's Airlines Terms and Conditions project.
Advising A2 Milk Company on the proposed mandatory dairy code.
Advising in relation to the ACCC's inquiry into foreign currency conversion services.
Acted for Prysmian concerning cartel conduct in relation to the supply of high voltage land cables in Australia.
Advising on current Australian "access" regimes and their application to Australian airports.
Aldo Nicotra is listed in Band 1 in Competition/Antitrust.
Robert Wyld is listed in Band 1 in Anti-Bribery & Corruption.
Johnson Winter & Slattery's Competition practice is ranked in Band 3.
John Kench is listed as an Eminent Practitioner in Competition/Antitrust.
Sar Katdare is a 'standout performer'.
Johnson Winter & Slattery’s 'exceptional team' provides advice that is ‘always commercially relevant, with regard for the client’s specific circumstances, and reveals a deep understanding of the law’.
John Kench is recognised as a Leading Individual in Competition & Trade.
Johnson Winter & Slattery's Competition practice is ranked in Tier 2.
Sar Katdare, Aldo Nicotra and Michele Laidlaw are recommended in Competition/Antitrust Law.
Aldo Nicotra, John Kench, Michele Laidlaw, Sar Katdare and Wolfgang Hellman are listed as leading lawyers in Competition Law.
"The matters they are involved in, their high-quality client base and their advice to date are the reasons we continue to engage Johnson Winter & Slattery for advice in this area."
The firm is "unique in the effort they make to ensure that their existing clients feel valued and supported, taking the time to invest in the working relationship and to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of their businesses."
Aldo Nicotra is noted by a client as standing out for "practicality, precision and a very sharp commercial instinct" adding that although "it can be very difficult to get a clear, firm opinion in this area, he's an exception to the rule."
Sar Katdare is cited by referees as a particularly accessible, responsive and pragmatic partner who stands out not only for his "good practical understanding of the laws and of ACCC’s application of them", but also as someone who is "prepared to offer advice that highlights the risks but plots a commercial path through the obstacles."
"They work seamlessly with our in-house team, we are able to rely on them for high-level strategic thinking and they are more than capable in handling big litigation, punching above their weight."
"I've never felt so comfortable with a law firm as with these guys: it feels like they're part of our team and I've no hesitation in recommending them."
Johnson Winter & Slattery’s "exemplary" service has "secured business critical outcomes"
Aldo Nicotra is noted as "a trusted adviser for many years and a great strategic thinker with a deep interest in our business."
Michele Laidlaw is praised for her "incredibly pragmatic, targeted and commercial advice" and her "customer-focused approach; she takes the time to understand the nuances of our services and our needs."
Sar Katdare is recognised as a "highly intelligent and pragmatic" partner who provides "punchy, matter-of-fact, efficient and clear" advice.
"Highly skilled and capable lawyers who are highly experienced and commercial, with a national network of offices and a commercial fee structure."
"They have a detailed understanding of issues facing our industry and a deep knowledge of competition law; they are therefore able to provide high-level, strategic advice."
Johnson Winter & Slattery's ‘experience in the aviation industry is hard to replicate'.
With significant regulatory change coming into effect the spotlight is staying firmly on culture, ethics and regulatory compliance. An organisation’s social licence to operate remains a priority...
A short case summary on the recent Osteo Gel case.
On 26 February 2019, Rod Sims announced the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement policy for 2019. A summary of the key areas of focus are set out below.