Tributes for one of ‘nature’s gentleman’

THE Gold Coast legal fraternity is once again in mourning after wellknown lawyer Evan Cooper died over the weekend.

Mr Cooper, 42, passed away on Sunday morning.

It is understood the criminal lawyer had been battling a long-term illness.

Mr Cooper’s finance Victoria Ward said: “Evan was well loved by everyone that he met.

“He was the first person to help if they needed it. He thought of everyone else before himself.”

Ms Ward, who is also a criminal lawyer, said he would be sadly missed by herself, his son Harrison, his stepchildren Abby and Connor, and his father Daryl.

Mr Cooper (pictured) was a fixture in the Southport Court precinct and was a founding partner of Cooper Roper Legal.

He founded the firm, which was originally called Cooper Maloy Legal, with Matt Maloy in 2013 before a name change in 2021.

Some of Mr Cooper’s well-known clients include Akin Sen after video of his arrest went viral when he was tackled by a passing good Samaritan.

He also often acted as duty lawyer.

Mr Cooper’s death has left the Gold Coast legal fraternity in shock, with solicitors expressing their condolences to their friend and colleague.

Potts Lawyers director Bill Potts, of Potts Legal, said: “Evan was one of nature’s gentlemen.

“He had courage, kindness and absolute sincerity as a lawyer.”

Originally from Melbourne, Mr Cooper moved to the Gold Coast to study law at Bond University before starting his articles with Allan Dick Solicitors in 2001.

He remained on the Gold Coast ever since and was involved in a number of charities, including organising an annual charity gold day.

Mr Cooper helped raise more than $50,000 in three years.

His death comes about a month after Howden Saggers Laywers director Dave Garratt died.