A leading independent Australian law firm based in Brisbane, supporting national and international clients

Find an expert lawyer

Comprehensive legal support for public and private companies

Effective advice and claims resolution for insurers and businesses

Securing successful outcomes in commercial disputes

Specialist services for clients and their professional advisers

Legal services for property acquisitions, development, leasing and sales

Employment and safety law advice for Australian employers

Comprehensive legal support for public and private companies

Effective advice and claims resolution for insurers and businesses

Securing successful outcomes in commercial disputes

Specialist services for clients and their professional advisers

Legal services for property acquisitions, development, leasing and sales

Employment and safety law advice for Australian employers

Our legal expertise

Cooper Grace Ward is a leading Australian law firm based in Brisbane.

We are a full-service law firm providing a wide range of legal services, including corporate and commercial, property, business litigation, insurance and family law.

Since our establishment in 1980, Cooper Grace Ward has grown to become one of the largest independent Brisbane based law firms. From our Brisbane CBD office, our lawyers advise listed and private companies, individuals, and local and foreign governments across Queensland and internationally.

Our values

Cooper Grace Ward is known for its outstanding client service and internal culture. We see that both of those things are interrelated. We understand that practising law is not just about knowing the law, it’s about people working together to achieve the best outcomes for clients. This sets us apart from other law firms.

Mutual respect

We show consideration for every person’s unique qualities, contribution and aspirations, being honest, clear and authentic.

Excellence

We work together positively with our team and our clients to understand their needs and deliver our very best every time.

Curiosity

We continuously seek and embrace change that adds value.

Our awards

What our clients say

The team provides highly commercial advice. They make it easy for me to pass advice directly on to our senior management, without having to repurpose the information.

Corporate Counsel, Major Retail Chain

The Cooper Grace Ward team was exceptional. The quality, including strategy, completeness and advice, was outstanding. Thank you for the hard work and the exceptional result.

Major Australian manufacturer

A practical and sensible outlook, a terrific rapport with clients and an ability to concentrate on the bigger picture and keep the end game in sight.

Chambers Asia Pacific

Wins praise from both peers and clients for a variety of qualities… business acumen, commercial decision guidance, open and honest discussion and outstanding client service.

Chambers Asia Pacific

Great to work with and especially excellent at running cases and giving strategic advice.

Chambers Asia Pacific

“Cooper Grace Ward proved invaluable during the process of selling my business. The team were not only knowledgeable and experienced, but also provided patient advice when unexpected issues arose.”

Director, Software Development Business

“A practical and sensible outlook, a terrific rapport with clients and an ability to concentrate on the bigger picture and keep the end game in sight.”

Chambers Asia Pacific

News and insights

10 July 2025
Cooper Grace Ward is pleased to announce its inclusion in the 2025 Doyles Guide rankings for Insolvency & Restructuring Law.
8 July 2025
Cooper Grace Ward assisted GemLife (ASX:GLF) with its listing on the Australian Stock Exchange. With $750 million in capital raised, the GemLife listing has become Australia’s largest IPO of 2025.
8 July 2025
Join us for a coffee chat with litigation and dispute resolution special counsel Ben Williams and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem. In this candid conversation, we delve into Ben’s background, explore his life outside work, and discuss what gets him excited about his work.
7 July 2025
In this edition of It depends, partner Scott Hay-Bartlem discusses whether your superannuation death benefit can be paid to your stepchild.
10 July 2025
Cooper Grace Ward is pleased to announce its inclusion in the 2025 Doyles Guide rankings for Insolvency & Restructuring Law.
8 July 2025
Cooper Grace Ward assisted GemLife (ASX:GLF) with its listing on the Australian Stock Exchange. With $750 million in capital raised, the GemLife listing has become Australia’s largest IPO of 2025.
8 July 2025
Join us for a coffee chat with litigation and dispute resolution special counsel Ben Williams and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem. In this candid conversation, we delve into Ben’s background, explore his life outside work, and discuss what gets him excited about his work.
7 July 2025
In this edition of It depends, partner Scott Hay-Bartlem discusses whether your superannuation death benefit can be paid to your stepchild.
CAREERS

Work with us

Cooper Grace Ward offers a range of legal jobs in Brisbane across diverse practice areas and business advisory teams. We are a recognised leading law firm and employer of choice, helping legal and business professionals take the next step in their careers. 

Our exceptional team culture is founded on our core values of mutual respect, excellence and curiosity. Whether you are a student looking to learn from our experts, a lawyer looking for personalised career progression or a business professional wanting to make an impact, you will find our culture is collaborative, diverse, nurturing and friendly. 

22 July 2025
Workplace relations and safety
The blended mental health first aid for workplaces course is designed for workplaces. It is delivered through a combination of online, eLearning and follow-on interactive online sessions with Belinda Winter, a partner in our workplace relations and safety team.
22 July 2025
Estate planning
This session will help enhance your understanding of some of the more unusual and less common uses of testamentary trusts and when they might be appropriate.
29 July 2025
Trusts
It is a fundamental principle that trusts must come to an end at some point. The rules around trust vesting, despite efforts to simplify, remain as complicated as ever.
5 August 2025
Workplace relations and safety
In-person at Sofitel Brisbane Central
22 July 2025
Workplace relations and safety
The blended mental health first aid for workplaces course is designed for workplaces. It is delivered through a combination of online, eLearning and follow-on interactive online sessions with Belinda Winter, a partner in our workplace relations and safety team.
22 July 2025
Estate planning
This session will help enhance your understanding of some of the more unusual and less common uses of testamentary trusts and when they might be appropriate.
29 July 2025
Trusts
It is a fundamental principle that trusts must come to an end at some point. The rules around trust vesting, despite efforts to simplify, remain as complicated as ever.
5 August 2025
Workplace relations and safety
In-person at Sofitel Brisbane Central
EDUCATION

Learn with us

Cooper Grace Ward offers a comprehensive suite of legal education and training services.

Our lawyers are experienced in delivering high quality presentations to clients, industry bodies and professional associations.