Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has hired a new competition partner in Sydney to strengthen its competition practice.

Liza Carver will be joining the firm from Ashurst where she heads the firm’s Australian competition team.

Jason Ricketts, HSF’s managing partner in Australia said: “Liza is one of the preeminent competition lawyers in Australia…her expertise in complex industry regulation, particularly around energy and infrastructure reinforces Herbert Smith Freehills’ strong position and our ability to offer our clients the best legal advice in this important area.”

Carver is highly experienced in handling regulatory cases, merger clearances and defending clients in investigations and legal action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Prior to Ashurst, Carver – who was made partner in 2011 – was a partner at the independent firm Gilbert & Tobin. Her start date at HSF is yet to be finalised.