From the ACCC to the Government Law team in Canberra

Jennifer McNeill, a former Commissioner of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has joined the DLA Phillips Fox Government Law team as a Special Counsel.

The move to the Canberra team marks Jennifer’s return to private practice and her credentials provide a boost to the firm’s government and competition law practices.

Jennifer brings a unique perspective from ‘both sides of the fence’ with extensive experience on competition law, regulatory compliance, consumer protection and commercial and government litigation. She is an accredited specialist in commercial litigation and a LEADR trained mediator, as well as a regular speaker at industry, legal and academic forums.

‘DLA Phillips Fox presented a great opportunity for me to build on my experience and offer a unique perspective to the firm’s government and competition clients,’ said Jennifer.

The firm’s strategy to ensure flexible work arrangements in policy and in practice to attract and retain the best talent has paid off in securing Jennifer’s appointment. ‘There is no doubt that joining DLA Phillips Fox means I can pursue my career ambitions and take on top quality work while managing my family responsibilities,’ she said.

‘Jennifer has a reputation for being a very tough, astute commercial litigator,’ said Dr Gary Rumble, partner in the Canberra Government Law practice. ‘After her experience in private practice, and working with government, she brings an acute awareness of both sides of compliance and what is needed for ‘good housekeeping’ for both private and government clients.

‘But her experience in market regulatory issues is something that we hope to apply beyond the traditional areas of competition. The real challenges ahead are in the emerging area of climate change – and in particular water and carbon trading. These are areas in their infancy, but we have our sights set on them,’ he said.

Anthony Willis, DLA Phillips Fox's National Government Practice Group Leader, agreed with Dr Rumble and said: ‘Jennifer's choice of DLA Phillips Fox as the firm with which to resume her private sector career shows that the firm is succeeding in its aim to be a leader in the provision of government and regulatory legal services. We are very excited
she is joining us and very happy about the additional depth and quality of services that this will enable us to provide to our clients.’