SONJA COOPER

LLM, LLB (Hons), BA, GDipBusStud (Dispute Resoluti

Principal Lawyer and Partner

Sonja Cooper was admitted to the bar in December 1986. Sonja started work in New Zealand's larger law firms, including two of New Zealand's "big 5 firms", before starting in practice on her own account in 1995. Sonja is the principal of Cooper Legal.

​Throughout her years in practice, Sonja has worked in litigation. Starting her career as a family lawyer and a Youth Advocate (a lawyer working with young offenders), Sonja has undertaken a wide range of litigation work, including employment law, medico-legal work, privacy law, accident compensation work and general civil litigation. Sonja has appeared in all levels of the Courts, including the Supreme Court.

​Sonja and her team are part of a small group of lawyers who act for those who have suffered abuse in care (including State care), and are developing the law in historic abuse claims. In that context, Sonja has particular expertise in tort law, the Limitation Act, equitable remedies and damages issues. Sonja and her team also utilise public law remedies, such as the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, to obtain appropriate and just outcomes for clients.