John Cooper has worked on many of Australia's largest projects in the transport, energy and resources, defense, and social infrastructure sectors. He has represented owners, major contractors, and consultants in complex disputes on major procurement projects in Australia and overseas.
John has been the lead lawyer on teams that acted on the operation and maintenance agreement for the regional rail network in New South Wales, the program alliance for RailCorp's signaling work, the successful Transcity JV bid for Legacy Way, the Gateway Upgrade Project, major defense acquisition and sustainment contracts, and mine infrastructure and contract mining agreements for iron ore mines in South Australia, coal mines in NSW and Queensland, and many other mining projects in Australia and overseas.
John has acted in major Supreme Court actions in relation to defects in the pavements at Port Botany and the Port of Brisbane and is currently representing major international contractors on disputes in connection with a number of the recently completed gas projects in Queensland. He also has represented clients in arbitrations, expert determinations, and statutory adjudications.
John is a member of the Construction and Infrastructure Law Committee of the Business Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, a member of the Resolution Institute, and a member of the Centre for Professional Legal Education Advisory Board. He also has held leadership roles with many other organizations, including the Professional Engineers Disciplinary Panel of Queensland. He has delivered many papers on dispute resolution, construction, procurement, and contract law topics.
Experience
Speaking Engagements
- June 2, 2014
International Commercial Arbitration in Australia - Today and Tomorrow, International Law Committee of the ACT Law Society - April 9, 2013
2013 Government Contractor Labor & Employment Discussion Group
- University of New South Wales & University of Sydney (M.B.A. 2009); University of Queensland (Master of Financial Management 1991; LL.B. with honours 1987; Bachelor of Commerce with honours 1986; Bachelor of Commerce 1983)
- Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
Best Lawyers, Australia: Recognized in Construction/Infrastructure Law (2008-2023), International Arbitration (2018-2023), Litigation (2018 - 2023) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (2021-2023). Recognized multiple times as "Lawyer of the Year" across numerous legal areas.
Chambers Asia-Pacific, Australia: Construction - Band 2 (2014-2023).
Legal500, Australia: Infrastructure, Projects and Construction - Leading Individual (2015-2023) and Dispute Resolution - Recommended (2023).