Competition

Leading the way

Our national competition team is one of the most highly regarded competition teams in Australia and operates at the top of the market. In the last 12 months, we acted in over 70% of the competition cases in the Federal Court, and 100% of competition class action cases.

We have a multi-sector focus that ensures we have the breadth of expertise necessary for a full-service competition practice – from market leading competition advice through to litigation. We are continuously sought after to provide holistic advice for clients across concentrated and other markets, including telecommunications, technology, infrastructure, transportation, retail and others.

We do so in relation to ACCC investigations and enforcement actions, commercial disputes and proceedings, and in the growing class action space.

Depth of experience

• We advise on some of the most complex high-profile M&A matters that require ACCC clearance, so we are at the cutting edge of new developments and a driver of innovative solutions.
• We are leaders in the international cartel and immunity area, and have acted on many high-profile international cases. We have deep insight into key multifaceted issues in this area and how best to resolve them in the most commercial way.
• A strong track record advising on and acting in sophisticated competition and restrictive trade practices matters means we are the go to people to translate complex competition law issues into practical advice and expert commercial, investigation and litigation strategies.
• We are market leaders in access and regulation and provide commercial solutions for complex access regimes such as rail, ports, intermodal and automotive terminals, and the National Broadband Network, the largest infrastructure project in Australia's history.
• Strong relationships with policy-makers and competition regulators help us achieve the best result for our clients.
• Experience in managing sensitive, high-profile complex matters means you can rely on our safe pair of hands.

Cross-border capability

We are also experts in handling cross-border competition issues beyond Australia's borders, ensuring our clients' business certainty in their global strategies. We regularly exchange knowledge and maintain an up-to-date understanding of international legal developments and what they mean for our clients, through strong whole-business connections with leading firms and economists around the globe.

Recognition

Chambers Asia-Pacific:

• Ranked Band 1 for Competition/Antitrust with six of our partners recognised as leading lawyers.
• "You don't just get the pure competition view, but one that is also informed by other areas of expertise. And I won't need to direct it, it just happens naturally and gets done." (2022)
• "the junior lawyers are all across the matters and can handle them in the absence of their seniors" (2022)
• "We had free rein to choose and we chose them – for their technical expertise and because we knew they could provide accurate, precise advice and protect our interests; they have a breadth of experience in this area and there's no other offering that competes." (2020)
• "Genuine experts in their area, but also enjoyable people to work with." (2019)

Legal-500 Asia Pacific:

• Ranked Tier 1 for Competition and Trade. Two of our partners are recognised as leading individuals, including Michael Corrigan whose expertise was recognised with admittance to the Hall of Fame.
• "The Clayton Utz Competition and trade practice is outstanding. The team pride themselves on getting to know the intricate details and drivers of our organisation and sector which serves to ensure their advice remains first class, technically and strategically and commercially oriented…They get the right people involved in matters to ensure the requisite expertise combines on complex and sensitive issues for the best advice and outcomes for our organisation." (2022)
• "The team has excellent knowledge of the competition law regimes across the APAC region as well as good relationships with the regulators" (2020)

GCR100 2021:

• Ranked in the "Elite" category for Australia.