KWM announces new competition partner Jennifer Barron joining in June

Jennifer Barron has been appointed to King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) where she will join the national competition team and be based out of the Sydney office starting in June. Renae Lattey, the firm’s chief executive partner, expressed excitement about welcoming Barron to the team.

Barron previously held the role of general counsel for merger reform at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), a position she began in February. She had also served as deputy general counsel for mergers, exemptions, and digital since February 2021. With two decades of private practice experience to her credit, Barron brings a wealth of expertise to KWM from her time challenging merger clearances and handling competition matters at Gilbert + Tobin, where she was a partner from July 2018 to January 2021.

Her practice focuses on various areas of traditional competition law, with a notable specialization in the energy sector. Barron’s expertise includes transactions, corporate strategy, investigations, specialized training, and knowledge of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Her educational background is extensive as well, with a BA degree earned in 1999 and an LLB with first-class honors in 2001, both from the University of Sydney. Additionally, she has additional qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Project Management.

“We are confident that Barron’s substantial experience at the regulator, particularly in merger reform, paired with her private practice background, will be invaluable to KWM as we aid our clients in navigating the Australian merger regime’s major overhaul,” stated Lattey. With a robust national competition team in place, KWM believes Barron will complement their existing bench strength and contribute significantly to their efforts.

Barron’s addition to the team further solidifies KWM’s standing in the legal landscape. Her exceptional background aligned with the firm’s commitment to serving clients with top-notch legal counsel. With this move, KWM is gearing up to offer unparalleled legal services to clients navigating complex competition matters as Barron steps into her new role.