Joining the firm's global competition group in Sydney, Poddar brings more than 20 years of competition and anti-trust experience in the areas of merger clearances, competition issues in concentrated markets, access matters in regulated industries (including rail, gas, electricity and telecommunications), cartel matters and general competition law.

Poddar has acted on several of Australia's largest financial services mergers, resources takeovers and infrastructure projects in the LNG and resources areas and he is also active across Asia where a number of jurisdictions are developing their competition regulatory regimes.

Managing partner of Allen & Overy Australia, Grant Fuzi, said: "Dave is highly respected practitioner and his joining is particularly important to our clients. With his experience, we will have the capability to provide top level advice on merger clearances, access issues and general competition matters, as well as cartel advice, which is particularly important after the recent introduction of criminal cartel laws in Australia.

"This expansion is yet another reflection of our commitment to strengthening the Australian offering since our launch just a few months ago."

Chairman of Allen & Overy's global antitrust steering group, Mark Friend, said: "Allen & Overy has a top level client-focused competition practice and we are delighted to have Dave join the group. Dave's addition will allow us to provide a more comprehensive service to our clients with interests in Australia and the Asia Pacific region."

Poddar has been a partner at Mallesons Stephen Jaques since 1998 and holds several industry and thought leadership positions, including the chair of the Trade Practices Committee of the Law Council of Australia.