Johnson Winter Slattery | View firm profile
Leading independent law firm Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) announced it will open a Canberra office spearheaded by two new partners, David Moore and Mellissa Lai (joining from MinterEllison), and the firm’s highly regarded foreign investment/M&A partner, Marcus Clark.
The team will focus on foreign investment, M&A and trade regulation, and assist our corporate clients engage with government, particularly in the defence and technology sectors. The team will be supported by our existing corporate and regulatory teams.
David Moore is the recent head of MinterEllison’s Foreign Investment & Trade team. He works with offshore clients and their on-shore portfolio companies in relation to Australia’s foreign investment, M&A and other regulatory and commercial/procurement regimes when entering the market or growing their existing operations.
Mellissa Lai works with clients across all sectors in M&A, real estate and infrastructure projects in relation to Australia’s foreign investment, foreign relations and foreign influence related rules. Mellissa also assists clients on export controls, customs matters, sanctions laws, free trade agreements, government engagement, procurement rules, lobbying rules and a range of commercial and corporate matters.
Managing Partner Jeremy Davis said the firm was excited to open an office in the nation’s capital:
“Foreign investors are confronted with an increasingly complex regulatory environment and that has changed the scope of their legal requirements. Given our firm’s strong focus on inbound investment, it is a logical step to build out a team in Canberra with three of the leading foreign investment/M&A lawyers in the Australian market. The development will enhance our position as a go to firm for foreign investors looking to navigate complex foreign investment, competition, tax and trade-related issues.”
David and Mellissa’s start date will be confirmed soon.
About Johnson Winter & Slattery
Johnson Winter & Slattery is an independent national Australian law firm with over 75 partners and offices across Australia. We advise major corporates and funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes. Working closely with clients, knowing their business, and appreciating their objectives, we tailor our approach to deliver optimal commercial outcomes.
August 2022