Competition and Antitrust lawyer Michele Laidlaw returned to Johnson Winter & Slattery as a Partner in Sydney on 6 September 2021.
Michele specialises in Australian competition and consumer law, advising major multi-national and ASX listed clients across a range of industries. Her areas of expertise include contentious and non-contentious merger reviews, Federal Court litigation, Competition Tribunal review and advising on consumer protection law.
Michele also has specialist expertise in aviation and transport industry work, having advised Qantas for many years on key competition matters that include landmark cases and joining its in-house team as Head of Legal in 2019.
Prior to this move, Michele had a long and successful career with Johnson Winter & Slattery joining as a Senior Associate in 2004 before being promoted to partner in 2006.
Managing Partner Jeremy Davis said the firm is delighted to welcome Michele back to the partnership.
“We have a leading Competition and Regulatory practice, which has been involved in a large number of high profile matters including securing merger clearance for Pacific Magazines’ acquisition of Seven West Media and advising Qantas in relation to its partial acquisition of Alliance Airlines. Having Michele back on-board will enhance our ability to deliver optimal outcomes for our clients on complex matters.”
“Michele is an extremely capable competition lawyer well versed with managing complex legal issues and brings a unique commercial perspective gained through her work at Qantas. We are delighted that she has decided to return to Johnson Winter & Slattery for the next phase of her career.”
Michele and Johnson Winter & Slattery have supported Qantas in relation to competition law for more than 15 years. Michele will continue to support Qantas as a key external advisor.
Before leaving private practice, Michele was consistently listed as one of Australia’s leading lawyers in the area of Competition and Trade, including being recognised in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2013 – 2019 and Best Lawyers Australia, 2014 – 2019.
Michele said: “Having gained valuable experience and corporate insight working for one of Australia’s most cherished brands, I’m excited to return to private practice and the opportunity to help grow the firm’s leading Competition and Regulatory practice. Johnson Winter & Slattery stands out in the market for its strong focus on people and high quality legal work. I’m very much looking forward to re-joining.”
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About Johnson Winter & Slattery
Johnson Winter & Slattery is an independent national Australian law firm with over 65 partners and offices across Australia. We advise major corporations and funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes. Working closely with clients, knowing their business, and appreciating their commercial objectives, we tailor our approach to deliver optimal commercial outcomes.
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Daya Knapton, Communications Manager
E: Daya.Knapton@jws.com.au
T: +61 2 8247 9638