David is a litigation partner specialising in company and securities law.

He has broad experience acting for corporate clients in a range of commercial disputes. David specialises in company and securities law, competition law and complex contractual litigation. He also acts for electricity companies and airlines in regulatory and contractual disputes.

David regularly appears as counsel in the High Court and Appeal Courts, arbitrations, and before regulatory tribunals such as the Takeovers Panel.

Chambers Asia Pacific 2013 ranks David as a leading lawyer in dispute resolution and competition. It is noted that "commentators testify to his exceptional courtroom performance and tireless dedication to client service, saying 'nothing is ever too much bother' for him". He is also described as being "very well regarded and very bright". Previous editions say David is "a litigator with an enviable reputation within the legal community" and that he "is particularly known for his expertise in competition litigation, but has also developed a broad practice that encompasses securities litigation and contractual disputes." The guide notes that "clients are impressed with his ability to 'cite precedents off the top of his head'," and quotes peers' view that David's "judgement is spot-on." David is also recommended for dispute resolution in the Asia Pacific Legal 500 2011/2012.

Qualifications

LLB (Hons), University of Auckland
PhD, University of Cambridge

Admitted

1991 New Zealand

International Career

  • Academic:
    Cambridge University, Cambridge
    1992-1995
  • Academic:
    Chicago University, Chicago
    1994-1995

Publications

Contact

Email: David Cooper

DDI: +64 9 916 8978

Mobile: +64 21 608 470

Download Vcard: Vcard for David Cooper

Areas of Expertise

Work Highlights

Overseas Investment judicial review challenge
Acting for the Crafar Farms Independent Purchaser Group in its successful judicial review of the Government's decision to grant consent under the Overseas Investment Act for Shanghai Pengxin to acquire the Crafar Farms.

Defence of prospectus liability claim
Acting for the former directors of Feltex Carpets in defending the ongoing prospectus claim brought by a group of investors. This is the largest prospectus liability claim ever brought in New Zealand.

Price fixing defence
Acting for Air New Zealand in its defence of proceedings brought against it and other airlines by the Commerce Commission alleging price fixing in the air cargo market.

Authorisation defence
Acted for Cavalier Wool Holdings in the High Court, which dismissed an appeal by Godfrey Hirst against a Commerce Commission authorisation for Cavalier to acquire the wool scouring assets of Wool Services International.

Directors' defence
Acted for the former directors of Feltex Carpets in successfully defending an attempted prosecution by the Registrar of Companies under the Financial Reporting Act.

Takeover proceedings
Acted for Horizon Energy in proceedings before the Takeovers Panel relating to a failed takeover of Horizon by Marlborough Lines, and in subsequent judicial review proceedings issued by Marlborough Lines challenging the decision of the Takeovers Panel.