Competition/Antitrust

Herbert Smith Freehills offers a global, regional and national depth of practice, bolstered by integration of competition expertise across the firm's international network and close collaboration with corporate and dispute resolution colleagues. The team is noted for its vigorous defence of ACCC enforcement proceedings, its frequent representation of leading energy sector players in regulatory investigations and its focus on market behavioural issues in the financial services sphere. Contentious competition law experience embraces both involvement in Full Federal Court and Competition Tribunal proceedings and increasing activity in private actions alleging the contravention of competition law provisions. The practice acts for blue-chip clients across a comprehensive range of industry sectors, including energy, financial services, infrastructure and telecommunications. These clients include National Australia Bank, BHP and Uber.

"They have excellent technical skills combined with great commercial acumen, as well as the ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters with smooth and effective client service. They have a strong and effective working relationship with the ACCC, which is of great benefit to their clients."

"Their team covers a wider variety of skill sets and expertise. Service levels are outstanding and they are very responsive, with excellent commercial awareness."

Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Suncorp Group in the sale of its Australian banking business to Australia and New Zealand Banking, including advising on ACCC approval.

Linda Evans leads the regional Herbert Smith Freehills competition practice from the Sydney office and boasts expertise extending across the competition spectrum, from the management of billion-dollar merger clearance mandates to advising on the highest-profile class action cases. "She has a gravitas in Australian competition issues that demands respect." "She's fantastic and an authority on competition law. She has been brilliant, considered and thorough." "She is confident giving clear advice without hiding behind loads of qualification; she confidently shows her advice." "She's excellent and one of the most recognised competition lawyers in the country." "Linda can bring deep industry knowledge that's helped us really shape our position and posture."

Patrick Gay assists a diverse clientele with merger control and regulatory investigations and is noted for his experience and knowledge of the ACCC and its key personnel.He is based in Sydney. "He is a good thinker, responsive, patient and pragmatic and has useful contacts within the competition regulator. He is effective and gets to the point quickly. I trust his view and would go to him for a number of things."

Sarah Benbow's knowledge and experience of competition and consumer law issues is regularly applied to advising clients on their interaction with ACCC investigations, prosecutions or enforcements, as well as on merger clearance. She is based in Melbourne.