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

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

They understand our company’s business and the expectations of both directors and management.

Beaton Independent Client Survey

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

Cooper Grace Ward’s experience in my industry and understanding of what I require in my role is second to none.

Beaton Independent Client Survey

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

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

I have worked with CGW for many years – they are very consistent in terms of high quality personnel and the commerciality of their advice.

Beaton Independent Client Survey

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

News and insights

6 August 2025
Who, what, where with legal assistant Claudia-Rose Hughes. Hear how long she’s been at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, what she would be doing if she wasn’t working in law and what she loves about her job.
5 August 2025
Join us for a coffee chat with family law special counsel Leeann Murphy and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem. In this candid conversation, we delve into Leeann’s background, explore her life outside work, and discuss what gets her excited about her work.
4 August 2025
In this edition of It depends, partner Scott Hay-Bartlem discusses whether your superannuation death benefit should be paid to your estate, to be dealt with under your Will.
31 July 2025
The Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) comes into effect from 1 August 2025, replacing the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld).
6 August 2025
Who, what, where with legal assistant Claudia-Rose Hughes. Hear how long she’s been at Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, what she would be doing if she wasn’t working in law and what she loves about her job.
5 August 2025
Join us for a coffee chat with family law special counsel Leeann Murphy and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem. In this candid conversation, we delve into Leeann’s background, explore her life outside work, and discuss what gets her excited about her work.
4 August 2025
In this edition of It depends, partner Scott Hay-Bartlem discusses whether your superannuation death benefit should be paid to your estate, to be dealt with under your Will.
31 July 2025
The Property Law Act 2023 (Qld) comes into effect from 1 August 2025, replacing the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld).
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. 

2 September 2025
Insurance
In recent years, with the rise of the ‘gig economy’ and a fresh approach by the High Court to the legal test, the interest and discussions around the distinction between independent contractors and employees has been re-enlivened
5 November 2025
Workplace relations and safety

Register yourself or a member of your team for our next Blended mental health first aid training for workplaces course on 5 November 2025, or read on to find out more. Responding to mental illness in your workplace Each year

2 September 2025
Insurance
In recent years, with the rise of the ‘gig economy’ and a fresh approach by the High Court to the legal test, the interest and discussions around the distinction between independent contractors and employees has been re-enlivened
5 November 2025
Workplace relations and safety

Register yourself or a member of your team for our next Blended mental health first aid training for workplaces course on 5 November 2025, or read on to find out more. Responding to mental illness in your workplace Each year

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.