Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers

What is Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers?

Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers is an independent full-service law firm founded in 1980, operating with over 85 lawyers and 20+ partners from their Brisbane headquarters. The firm distinguishes itself through a commitment to excellence, mutual respect, and outstanding client service, cultivating a vibrant and diverse team culture that prioritizes both client outcomes and employee wellbeing. As a Workplace Gender Equality Agency Employer of Choice since 2009 and a 5-star Employer of Choice for 2024-2025, CGW demonstrates its dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment while delivering sophisticated legal solutions across more than 40 practice areas.

What services does Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers offer?

Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas:

• Corporate & Commercial Law: Mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate governance, compliance, intellectual property, and technology law
• Property Law & Development: Commercial property sales and purchases, leasing, property development for master-planned communities, shopping centre management, and community title schemes
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Commercial disputes, construction disputes, insolvency matters, defamation, professional liability, and commissions of inquiry
• Banking & Financial Services: Complex project financing, commercial lending, capital raising, and financial regulatory compliance
• Insurance Law: Workers' compensation claims, compulsory third party (CTP) claims, self-insurance, and professional indemnity matters
• Family Law: Property settlements, children's arrangements, binding financial agreements, spousal maintenance for married and de facto couples
• Tax & Revenue: Income tax disputes, GST matters, customs duties, international tax and residency issues, and ATO dispute resolution
• Workplace Relations & Safety: Employment law, industrial relations, discrimination law, safety compliance, and enterprise bargaining
• Estate Planning & Administration: Wills, trusts, succession planning, estate disputes, and superannuation matters
• Planning & Environment: Development approvals and appeals, environmental compliance, native title and cultural heritage, compulsory acquisition
• Energy & Resources: Renewables, hydrogen development, waste-to-energy projects, mining, and natural resources advisory
• Agribusiness: Agricultural property transactions, water rights, biosecurity compliance, and rural business structuring
• Government Services: Regulatory compliance, administrative law, and public sector advisory

Why choose Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers as your lawyer?

Choosing Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers provides access to internationally recognized legal expertise, demonstrated by their Band 5 ranking in Chambers Global Guide 2025 for Dispute Resolution and recognition in 21 practice areas by Best Lawyers 2026. The firm's commitment to client service earned them the 2024 Beaton Client Choice Award for Best Law & Related Services Firm in their revenue category. With specialized accreditations including Family Law Specialists, Personal Injury Law Specialists, and SMSF Specialist Advisors, CGW delivers focused expertise across complex legal matters. Their strategic approach combines deep industry knowledge in sectors like agribusiness, energy, technology, and financial services with a collaborative culture that ensures clients receive innovative, commercially practical solutions from a stable team of long-tenured professionals.

Who are the attorneys at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers?

The attorneys at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers include Managing Partner Charles Sweeney, who leads the firm's corporate and commercial practice while serving as a non-executive director of an ASX-listed company. Partner Chris Ward, President of ADVOC Asia since 2019, shapes firm culture while specializing in insurance law and commercial litigation. Rocco Russo, ranked Band 4 in Chambers Global Guide 2025 for Dispute Resolution, leads the litigation practice with expertise in corporate investigations and complex commercial disputes. Scott Hay-Bartlem, an SMSF Specialist Advisor and board member of SMSF Association, specializes in tax, superannuation, and estate planning. Marcus Ford, recognized as a Recommended Property & Real Estate Lawyer by Doyles Guide for seven consecutive years, heads property development advisory. Other notable partners include Brady Cockburn (Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law), Justine Woods (Accredited Family Law Specialist with nearly two decades of specialization), and Fletch Heinemann (specialist in tax and customs disputes across federal and state jurisdictions).

How much does Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers cost?

Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers typically structures fees based on the complexity and nature of legal matters, with pricing arrangements tailored to individual client needs and the specific practice area involved. The firm works with clients ranging from individuals to ASX-listed companies and government entities, suggesting flexible fee structures that accommodate diverse budgetary requirements.

Where is Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers located?

Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers is located at Level 21, 400 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, operating from a single headquarters in Brisbane's central business district. The firm can be reached at +61 7 3231 2444 or via email at lawyers@cgw.com.au, with additional information available on their website at www.cgw.com.au.