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. Our lawyers advise listed and private companies, individuals, and government agencies and authorities 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

25 August 2025
Cooper Grace Ward’s disputes team recently acted for a major commercial landlord in the successful defence of a Queensland Supreme Court case about a consultant’s authority to bind a landlord to a leasing deal. The case provides some useful insights into the risks associated with commercial lease negotiations through agents.
22 August 2025
Cooper Grace Ward and partner Laura Gahan have been recommended in the latest Doyles Guide rankings for Leading Agribusiness Lawyers and Law Firms.
20 August 2025
Qantas has been ordered to pay the ‘largest fine in Australian industrial relations law history’ for illegally sacking 1,820 of its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
19 August 2025
Recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) recognise the growing awareness of the subtle yet damaging nature of coercive control and the need to holistically consider its impact on property settlements following separation.
25 August 2025
Cooper Grace Ward’s disputes team recently acted for a major commercial landlord in the successful defence of a Queensland Supreme Court case about a consultant’s authority to bind a landlord to a leasing deal. The case provides some useful insights into the risks associated with commercial lease negotiations through agents.
22 August 2025
Cooper Grace Ward and partner Laura Gahan have been recommended in the latest Doyles Guide rankings for Leading Agribusiness Lawyers and Law Firms.
20 August 2025
Qantas has been ordered to pay the ‘largest fine in Australian industrial relations law history’ for illegally sacking 1,820 of its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
19 August 2025
Recent amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) recognise the growing awareness of the subtle yet damaging nature of coercive control and the need to holistically consider its impact on property settlements following separation.
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
11 September 2025
This insightful session is presented by Mark Cowan and Kathy Prince, special counsel in CGW’s renewables team. With decades of combined experience, they specialise in advising proponents and governments on renewable energy projects, including planning, environment, land access and property
16 September 2025
Workplace relations and safety
This session will provide employers with essential knowledge on their responsibilities and best practices for addressing drug and alcohol-related matters at work.
25 September 2025
Workplace relations and safety
This session will provide employers with essential knowledge on their responsibilities and best practices for addressing drug and alcohol-related matters at work.
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
11 September 2025
This insightful session is presented by Mark Cowan and Kathy Prince, special counsel in CGW’s renewables team. With decades of combined experience, they specialise in advising proponents and governments on renewable energy projects, including planning, environment, land access and property
16 September 2025
Workplace relations and safety
This session will provide employers with essential knowledge on their responsibilities and best practices for addressing drug and alcohol-related matters at work.
25 September 2025
Workplace relations and safety
This session will provide employers with essential knowledge on their responsibilities and best practices for addressing drug and alcohol-related matters at work.
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 and nurturing.