Our client is one of Australia's most innovative and progressive law firms with a reputation for excellence. Known for their creative approach to complex legal challenges and commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes, they serve ASX-listed companies, major corporations, government entities, and disruptive businesses across all sectors of the Australian economy. About the Team Our client's Competition Law team is recognised as one of Australia's leading competition practices, consistently ranked in the top tier for ACCC matters, merger clearances, and competition litigation. The team has an exceptional track record advising on landmark competition cases, major merger transactions, cartel investigations, and regulatory enforcement matters. The team acts for major corporations, industry associations, government entities, and emerging businesses on their most significant competition law challenges. Their lawyers work at the forefront of competition law developments, providing strategic advice on ACCC enforcement actions, merger clearances, compliance programmes, and competition litigation across diverse industry sectors. About the Role As Australia's competition landscape continues to evolve with increased ACCC enforcement activity, new market concentration concerns, and digital economy challenges, our client's Competition Law team is seeking an experienced Senior Associate to join their market-leading Sydney practice. This represents an exceptional opportunity for a competition lawyer with strong technical skills and strategic thinking to advance their career with one of Australia's most respected and innovative competition practices. You will work on high-profile matters alongside leading competition law partners while building relationships with key regulatory officials and industry participants. Key Responsibilities Advise clients on complex competition law matters including ACCC investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance issues Manage merger clearance processes including informal clearances, formal authorisations, and court applications Handle competition litigation in Federal Court including cartel prosecutions, misuse of market power claims, and regulatory appeals Provide strategic advice on cartel compliance, competition risk assessment, and competition law training programmes Conduct ACCC dawn raid responses and manage regulatory investigation processes Advise on consumer law matters including misleading and deceptive conduct and consumer guarantee claims Draft competition law compliance policies, merger clearance applications, and court documents Provide regulatory advice on industry codes, access regimes, and sector-specific competition issues Handle competition aspects of commercial transactions including distribution agreements and joint ventures Coordinate with economic experts, industry consultants, and regulatory specialists Support business development activities and maintain relationships with regulatory bodies Mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team knowledge development Senior Associate Role Expectations You will be expected to: Provide expert advice on complex competition law matters with minimal supervision Take day-to-day responsibility for ACCC matters and competition transactions with direct client contact Demonstrate exceptional understanding of competition law principles and ACCC enforcement priorities Show strategic acumen in managing regulatory investigations and compliance challenges Communicate effectively with senior executives, ACCC officials, and competition law practitioners Build and maintain relationships with key players in Australia's competition law community Work effectively under pressure in high-stakes regulatory and litigation environments Understand competition law developments and regulatory trends affecting clients Lead negotiations with the ACCC and coordinate complex regulatory responses Support team development and contribute to innovative legal solutions About the Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who has: 5-8 years' experience in competition law, regulatory law, or commercial litigation with a top-tier firm Strong experience across ACCC matters, merger clearances, and competition compliance Excellent knowledge of Competition and Consumer Act, ACCC processes, and competition law principles Experience with Federal Court litigation and regulatory investigation processes Outstanding analytical and drafting skills with strategic approach to competition matters Strong communication skills and ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships Proactive approach with genuine passion for competition law and regulatory developments Exceptional client relationship skills and regulatory advisory capabilities Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, demanding regulatory environments Leadership qualities and commitment to innovative legal practice Highly Regarded: ACCC or competition authority experience Economic analysis and competition economics understanding Cross-border competition law and international regulatory experience Digital economy and technology sector competition expertise Professional qualifications in competition law or regulatory economics Why Apply? Our client offers: Australia's most innovative competition law practice with cutting-edge legal solutions Highly competitive remuneration package with performance-based incentives Clear career progression pathway with partnership opportunities for exceptional candidates Work on landmark competition matters shaping Australia's regulatory landscape Collaborative environment with leading competition law specialists and innovative thinkers Comprehensive professional development and specialist training programmes Direct access to senior partners and involvement in high-profile regulatory matters Comprehensive benefits package and professional development programme Modern office facilities in Sydney's premium legal precinct with innovative workspace design Strong commitment to work-life integration and professional satisfaction How to Apply We invite applications from competition lawyers seeking to advance their career with Australia's most innovative law firm and work on matters that define Australia's competition law landscape. Please submit your CV and a tailored cover letter highlighting your relevant competition law experience and interest in joining our client's Sydney team. Contact: Ivan Pignataro Director D'Arcy Weil T: 61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856 E: ivan@darcyweil.com Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace where exceptional legal talent can thrive and build rewarding careers in competition law.
