National law firm Lander & Rogers has bolstered its corporate partnership team by poaching a senior competition lawyer from global firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer.
Philip Aitken (pictured) has joined Lander & Rogers as a competition law partner in its corporate team, officially commencing in the firm’s Melbourne office on 10 November 2025.
He brings more than 13 years of experience advising clients on competition, consumer, and regulatory matters across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Before joining the national firm, Aitken spent almost 14 years at global giant Herbert Smith Freehills, where he most recently served as a senior associate for more than eight years.
During his time at the firm, he played a key role in steering clients through significant competition law and merger control matters and appeared in a range of complex regulatory investigations and enforcement actions.
Throughout his career, Aitken has worked with companies across a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, energy and resources, consumer products, infrastructure, aviation, and health.
David Morris, partner and practice group leader of corporate at Lander & Rogers, shared how Aitken’s appointment significantly enhances the firm’s ability to steer clients through increasingly complex regulatory and transactional landscapes.
“Philip’s international experience and his deep understanding of competition and consumer law further strengthen our national corporate team,” Morris said.
“With the new mandatory merger control regime coming into effect on 1 January 2026, Philip’s expertise in navigating complex merger control issues will be invaluable for our rapidly growing portfolio of transactional clients.”
Speaking on his new role, Aitken described the move as an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected team and support clients as they navigate a regulatory landscape that is ever-changing.
“Lander & Rogers is widely recognised for its collaborative culture and its commitment to excellence in client service,” Aitken said.
“With the new Australian merger control regime commencing in January, I’m looking forward to working with the team to support clients achieve successful outcomes in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.”
This news follows the recent news of the addition of a new corporate partner from Clayton Utz at the start of October, the appointment of a new commercial disputes partner in September, the establishment of a Canberra office in July, the promotion of 44 senior lawyers in May, and the addition of a new real estate partner in January.
