Respected Brisbane commercial litigation silk Sean Cooper was yesterday appointed as the latest judge of Queensland’s Supreme Court.
Having started his legal career as a Supreme Court judge’s associate in 1998, Justice Cooper QC now takes on the duties and responsibilities of the coveted role almost 25 years on.
Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman announced Justice Cooper’s appointment in a brief statement yesterday (Thur 31 Mar) afternoon.
“Mr Cooper brings to the court broad legal experience gained over two decades of dealing with complex litigation involving a range of commercial issues,” she said.
“Mr Cooper’s knowledge and legal expertise has been gained from handling high-profile and often complex matters across various jurisdictions including in the Supreme Court, the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia.
“I have no doubt his skills and experience will make him a valuable asset to the Supreme Court in helping deliver justice for Queenslanders.
“Mr Cooper is highly deserving of his new role and will be a great addition to the Supreme Court. I congratulate Mr Cooper on his appointment to the Bench.”
Justice Cooper was admitted to the Bar in 2005 and his areas of practice and expertise include commercial and corporate law, contract, energy and resources, mining, building construction and engineering, as well arbitration and mediation.
He was appointed Queens’s Counsel in 2019.
Ms Fentiman said judicial appointments in Queensland are made on the basis of merit in accordance with the Judicial Appointment Advisory Protocol.
Justice Cooper’s appointment rounds a month of dramatic changes on the Supreme Court bench with the retirement of highly-regarded Chief Justice Catherine Holmes AC on 18 March, the swearing-in of Queensland’s 20th Chief Justice Helen Bowskill on 22 March and the elevation of veteran Justice Glenn Martin AM to the role Senior Judge Administrator.
Justice Cooper’s appointment will take effect from 11 April 2022.
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