Cooper Grace Ward

Firm Details:
Managing Partner: Charles Sweeney
Number of partners: 21
Number of lawyers: 87

Firm Overview:
Cooper Grace Ward was established in 1980 and is one of the largest independent Australian law firms based in Brisbane (Queensland). With a team of more than 200, the firm offers a full range of commercial legal services to clients, particularly in the areas of corporate and commercial, property, litigation, insurance, tax, workplace relations and family law. Cooper Grace Ward’s key practice areas are among the leading Brisbane-based teams in their respective areas.

Main Areas of Practice:

■ Banking & Financial Services

■ Corporate & Commercial

■ Energy & Resources

■ Family Law

■ Insurance

■ Litigation & Dispute Resolution

■ Private Clients

■ Property, Planning & Environment

■ Revenue & Tax

■ Workplace Relations & Safety

Banking & Financial Services:

The firm has experience across the full spectrum of banking law advice and financing transactions, specialising in commercial lending and complex project financing matters. Lawyers provide legal advice that is comprehensive and aligned with their clients’ overarching business objectives.

Contact: Greg Thorne

Tel: +61 7 3231 2493

Email: [email protected]

Corporate & Commercial:
The team provides a full range of advice and support on all aspects of corporate and commercial law. They offer a wealth of experience advising both public and private clients on general corporate and commercial matters across a broad range of industries.

Contact: Charles Sweeney

Tel: +61 7 3231 2940

Email: [email protected]

Energy & Resources:
Cooper Grace Ward understands the specific issues and challenges faced by the energy and resources industry, having acted for many key stakeholders in the oil and gas, mining and utilities sectors. The team has a unique combination of experience working in-house with energy and resources companies and with government.

Contacts: Andrew Corkhill & Leanne O’Neill

Tel: +61 7 3231 2405 / +61 7 3231 2571

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Family Law:
The family law team provides expert practical advice on all family law issues, including the associated tax, superannuation, corporate, property and estate planning aspects. The team prides itself on understanding client needs both on a personal and professional level.

Contact: Justine Woods

Tel: +61 7 3231 2497

Email: [email protected]

Insurance:
The insurance practice has been an integral legal provider to the Australian insurance industry for over 30 years. Through experience acting for major insurance companies, government bodies and statutory authorities, the team has developed the diverse skills to cover all aspects of insurance advice and claims management.

Contact: Tony Park

Tel: +61 7 3231 2460

Email: [email protected]

Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
The firm’s commercial litigation lawyers have many years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, securing countless successful outcomes for clients. Known for their strategic, commercial and practical approach, they build relationships with clients to run cases in a way that suits their situation and resources.

Contact: Rocco Russo

Tel: +61 7 3231 2468

Email: [email protected]

Private Clients:
The private clients team provides legal support to family owned businesses, middle market enterprises and high net worth individuals. The team is well regarded for its ability to work seamlessly with accountants, financial planners and other professional advisers to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

Contact: Scott Hay-Bartlem

Tel: +61 7 3231 2458

Email: [email protected]

Property, Planning & Environment:
Cooper Grace Ward has provided legal services to the property industry for more than 30 years. They bring experience in all types of property transactions, development, leasing, project structuring arrangements, and planning and environment advice and appeals.

Contact: Marcus Ford

Tel: +61 7 3231 2972

Email: [email protected]

Revenue & Tax:
This team works closely with accountants and financial advisers to provide practical outcomes for clients. Lawyers’ in-depth knowledge and understanding is backed by extensive practical experience in the accounting and financial sectors.

Contact: Scott Hay-Bartlem

Tel: +61 7 3231 2458

Email: [email protected]

Workplace Relations & Safety:
The firm provides strategic advice on employment, industrial relations, anti-discrimination and workplace health and safety. With experience across a broad range of industries, lawyers help organisations of all types and sizes achieve their desired commercial outcomes.

Contact: Belinda Winter

Tel: +61 7 3231 2498

Email: [email protected]

Practice Areas:

■ Agribusiness

■ Banking & Financial Services

■ Capital Markets

■ Commissions of Inquiry

■ Competition & Consumer Law

■ Compliance & Corporate Governance

■ Construction & Infrastructure

■ Customs Law

■ Defamation & Reputation Management

■ Education & Training

■ Energy & Resources

■ Estate Planning, Administration & Disputes

■ Family Business

■ Family Law

■ Franchising

■ Government Services

■ Insolvency & Restructuring

■ Insurance & Self Insurance

■ Intellectual Property & Technology

■ Litigation & Dispute Resolution

■ Mergers & Acquisitions

■ Middle Market Enterprises (MME)

■ Native Title & Cultural Heritage

■ Not-for-Profit

■ Personal Property Securities

■ Professional Liability

■ Property Law & Real Estate

■ Superannuation

■ Support Services for Professional Advisers

■ Tax & Revenue including Tax Disputes

■ Trusts

■ Workers’ Compensation

■ Workplace Relations & Safety