Ms Laidlaw, who is based in Sydney, rejoins the firm from Qantas, where she has held the position of head of legal since 2019.

Prior to Qantas, Ms Laidlaw was employed at JWS as a senior associate from 2004 before she was made partner in 2006. Her return back to JWS will see Ms Laidlaw continue to support Qantas as a key external adviser.

Throughout her career, Ms Laidlaw has built up an extensive practice in Australian competition and consumer law, advising major multi-national and ASX-listed clients across a range of industries.

Her areas of expertise include contentious and non-contentious merger reviews, Federal Court litigation, Competition Tribunal review, and advising on consumer protection law, a statement from JWS said.

“We have a leading competition and regulatory practice, which has been involved in a large number of high profile matters including securing merger clearance for Pacific Magazines’ acquisition of Seven West Media and advising Qantas in relation to its partial acquisition of Alliance Airlines. Having Michele back on board will enhance our ability to deliver optimal outcomes for our clients on complex matters,” said managing partner Jeremy Davis.

“Michele is an extremely capable competition lawyer well versed with managing complex legal issues and brings a unique commercial perspective gained through her work at Qantas. We are delighted that she has decided to return to Johnson Winter & Slattery for the next phase of her career.”

Commenting on her return, Ms Laidlaw said: “Having gained valuable experience and corporate insight working for one of Australia’s most cherished brands, I’m excited to return to private practice and the opportunity to help grow the firm’s leading competition and regulatory practice”.

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“Johnson Winter & Slattery stands out in the market for its strong focus on people and high-quality legal work. I’m looking very forward to re-joining.”