Cooper Legal is a human rights litigation firm based at Level 4, 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington. Operating for over 25 years, the firm specialises in three areas: abuse claims, youth law, and civil litigation and human rights law, describing itself with the tagline 'Rights Are Our Speciality.'
The firm is recognised for particular expertise in abuse claims, currently acting for over 1500 clients — individuals and whānau groups — who were sexually, physically, or psychologically abused and/or neglected while in care. Since 1995, Cooper Legal has helped clients bring claims against government departments and other organisations for abuse experienced at home (where social workers were involved), in care, at schools including Residential Schools, at Health Camps, in faith-based care, in psychiatric hospital care prior to July 1993, and in prisons. Where the firm is unable to assist, it endeavours to refer clients to another lawyer who may be able to help.
Cooper Legal is led by Sonja Cooper, Principal Lawyer and Partner, who is recognised as one of the most senior Youth Advocates in New Zealand and has presented at Law Society seminars to train other Youth Advocates. The firm is one of the few in New Zealand undertaking considerable civil legal aid work, and its team is built around the values of equality, a client-focused approach, and justice. The office is also home to four honorary team members — office dogs Elsa, Coco Chanel, Louis, and Harper.
On Molesworth Street in Thorndon, Cooper Legal has spent over 25 years focused on a single idea: rights are its speciality. The Wellington-based firm specialises in abuse claims, youth law, and civil litigation and human rights law, working with clients navigating some of the most difficult legal issues a person can face.
Cooper Legal is particularly known for its work in abuse claims, currently acting for over 1500 clients — both individuals and whānau groups — who were sexually, physically, or psychologically abused and/or neglected while in care. Since 1995, the firm has helped bring claims against government departments and other organisations covering abuse experienced at home where social workers were involved, in care, at schools including Residential Schools, at Health Camps, in faith-based care, in psychiatric hospital care prior to July 1993, and in prisons. For claims relating to abuse after 25 September 1990, the firm also relies on the rights set out in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. Where Cooper Legal isn't able to help a prospective client directly, it maintains contact with other lawyers doing similar work and will endeavour to refer them on.
Beyond abuse claims, the firm's Principal Lawyer and Partner, Sonja Cooper, is recognised as one of New Zealand's most senior Youth Advocates, and has presented at Law Society seminars to train other Youth Advocates. On the civil litigation and human rights side, the firm's experience spans Bill of Rights Act claims, privacy claims, and advocacy connected to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
Cooper Legal describes its work as guided by three core values: equality, a client-focused approach, and justice. The firm frames its mission around protecting and promoting clients' rights throughout the legal process, and believes no person should be mistreated, abused, or discriminated against — with those responsible held accountable. As one of the few New Zealand firms undertaking considerable civil legal aid work, the firm places real weight on preserving and enhancing basic human rights, including for clients who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation.
Cooper Legal's team includes Sonja Cooper (Principal Lawyer and Partner), Sam Benton (Consultant), Lydia Oosterhoff (Principal), Samantha Brown (Senior Solicitor), Thea Valmores, Rose Peoples, Max Benter-Lynch, and Danielle Bennett (Solicitors), and Alexandra Matthews and Amanda Chisnall (Law Clerks). The office also has four honorary team members — office dogs Elsa, Coco Chanel, Louis, and Harper — who serve as office dog assistants.
Cooper Legal is located at Level 4, 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, and can be reached by phone on 04-499-9025 or by email. The firm also advertises legal vacancies from time to time and welcomes application letters, along with a CV and academic transcript, from skilled and dedicated lawyers interested in joining the team. For the latest news relating to human rights in New Zealand and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, Cooper Legal maintains a dedicated news and updates section on its website.