Throughout his ten years at Blakes, Hellman focused on domestic and global merger control issues and cartel law.

Prior to his move to Australia in 2000, Hellman practiced European and German competition law for over five years in Dusseldorf and Brussels with two leading European competition law practices.

Hellman has obtained approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for high profile merger and acquisition proposals in industries such as mining and resources, gas and electricity and internet advertising. He has represented domestic and international clients in major price fixing investigations and secured immunity from the ACCC for clients in several global cartel cases.

"We are excited that Wolfgang has joined our growing team of competition specialists. His outstanding expertise in merger control and cartel law enforcement will enhance the breadth and depth of our capability in these key areas of competition law," said senior competition partner John Kench.

Discussing his move to JWS, Hellman said: "JWS is a leading firm in the area of competition law with an excellent reputation in Australia as well as overseas. The firm will provide me with an ideal platform to further develop my competition law practice, focusing on assisting international clients in obtaining merger clearance and managing cartel investigations and immunity applications."