Ashurst, one of the illustrious Silver Circle firms, is regularly instructed on a wealth of market-defining merger clearance, authorisation, and market inquiry mandates, in addition to cartel and regulatory investigation matters. Based in Brisbane, Alyssa Phillips leads the practice, leveraging an in-depth knowledge of the energy and resources, rail, waste and infrastructure industries; she is supported by a number of prominent Sydney-based lawyers including Peter Armitage, notably a key name for Google and Woolworths, and Ross Zaurrini who hones his focus on the automotive, consumer goods, fuel and financial services sectors. Melissa Fraser often defends clients in ACCC enforcement investigations within the healthcare, retail, and infrastructure fields, while Tihana Zuk is noted for digital economy expertise. Over at the Melbourne office, Justin Jones serves as an infrastructure access and energy regulation specialist.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They're very strong on their competition law knowledge and a really friendly easy bunch to deal with. Ross in particular has a style of simplifying everything into consumable and understandable bites.’
‘The Competition team at Ashurst is a very capable, skilled and responsive team of partners and associates. The judgment the team brings to difficult strategic calls is unmatched in the market in my experience. The team's advocacy, depth of analysis, cost-consciousness, and the thoughtfulness of their work is all market-leading.’
‘Peter Armitage's long experience underpins the excellent judgment he offers on difficult strategic decisions and advice. Alyssa Phillips is highly efficient, analytical and service-oriented. Melissa Fraser's work with us has been first class - focused, thoughtful, and very service-oriented, and providing excellent practical advice. ’
Key clients
- ANZ
- Aurizon
- AGL Energy
- Babcock
- Downer Group
- EnergyAustralia
- ING
- Nbn co
- SAIC Motors
- Woolworths
- Uber
Work highlights
- Advising Google in relation to its response to the ACCC's Digital Platform Services Inquiry, including its Fifth Interim Report, examining the need for digital platform-specific consumer and competition law rules, and Australian Government's consultation on the same.
- Advising leading digital bank ING to respond to an ACCC enforcement investigation into alleged non-compliance with Consumer Data Right obligations and alleged misleading conduct.
- Advising Woolworths in relation to the ACCC's merger clearance review of Woolworths' proposed $586 million (AUD) acquisition of a 55% interest in PETstock Pty Ltd (Petspiration Group or PG).
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Melissa Fraser
AshurstTihana Zuk
AshurstPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alyssa Phillips