TORONTO, September 25, 2013 – At the 2013 Zenith Awards in Toronto, Melanie Aitken was recognized with a group of her peers for her leadership in the legal profession.

Aitken, who is co-chair the Bennett Jones Antitrust and Competition practice, has rejoined the firm to open an office in Washington DC., which advises foreign businesses and investors on Canadian law and connecting Canadian businesses with opportunities in the U.S., China, the Arabian Gulf and elsewhere. The Washington D.C. office practises only Canadian law.

She returned to Bennett Jones after seven years with the Canadian Competition Bureau in Ottawa, serving as the Competition Commissioner for the final three. While serving as Commissioner, Melanie led many high-profile civil and criminal matters and worked extensively with leaders of international antitrust authorities around the world on enforcement and policy cases. She held leadership roles in key international organizations including the Steering Committee of the International Competition Network.

"It is an honour to receive this award", says Aitken. "To be included on a list of such talented legal professionals is humbling indeed", she adds.

In December of last year, Aitken was named as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada by the Women's Executive Network.

About Bennett Jones

Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms, and home to more than 375 lawyers and business advisors in nine offices – Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Beijing and Washington*. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, Bennett Jones is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and to connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.

*Bennett Jones LLP 2013 All rights reserved. Bennett Jones refers collectively to the Canadian legal practice of Bennett Jones LLP and the legal practices and consulting activities of affiliated Bennett Jones entities internationally. The provision of legal services in the Washington, DC office of Bennett Jones (US) LLP remains subject to completion of all necessary regulatory requirements.