Cooper Grace Ward featured in ALB Magazine's 2007 Brisbane Report on the back of its successful rebrand in 2006.

By following through on its promises around client service and its people focused culture, Cooper Grace Ward has continued to build its diverse client base, which includes both Queensland-based and national market leaders.

"The past year has been all about momentum," says Chris Ward, managing partner of Cooper Grace Ward.

"During 2006 we made some fairly bold and progressive moves in terms of our firm's culture, our delivery of outstanding client service, and our brand," he says.

"Making those moves was challenging but the real challenge is staying focused and maintaining the momentum, making sure that we achieve the full benefit of the positive changes we have made for our clients and our team members."

Among other initiatives, Cooper Grace Ward has developed and implemented "Client Service Imperatives", a set of guiding principles for its team members in dealing with clients.

"The Client Service Imperatives are about building successful client relationships and have become a part of the way we do business," says Ward.

"We have them posted on our website allowing our clients to use them to keep us honest."

Cooper Grace Ward's 18% growth in revenue and 15% growth in team numbers certainly lend weight to its client and people focused approach.

Results in 2007
Revenue Growth (2007 calendar year):  18%
Team Growth (2007 calendar year):  15%

Top 5 Deals
 * Acted in the $117 million sale of the Zupps Group, a major motor dealership group, to ASX listed company, Automotive Holdings Group Ltd (ASX:AHE)
 * Acted for Facilitate Digital Holdings Ltd (ASX:FAC) in the acquisition of Impact Data Pty Ltd on an earn-out model transaction with an expected value of around $40 million; also advised in the IPO of Facilitate Digital, conducted by reverse takeover of ASX listed company Purus Energy Ltd (ASX:PUR)
 * Acted for Freedom Fuels in its acquisition of 16 service station sites in Victoria from Horizon Petroleum Pty Ltd
 * Acted for Waeco Pacific and its Australian interests as part of the Global Takeover of the Waeco companies by Dometic, the Swedish Group
 * Acted for vendors in the sale of a water tank manufacturing business for in excess of $20 million

Awards and Recognition
 Finalist - ALB Australasian Law Awards 2007 (Best Brisbane Firm)
Winner - Lawtech Awards 2007 (Legal IT Team of the Year - Small to Medium Sized Firm)
 Finalist - MFAA Excellence Awards 2007 (Support Services to the Mortgage & Finance Industry)
 Ranked 7th - Book of Lists 2007, a list of Queensland's largest law firms

New Offices in 2009
Cooper Grace Ward has announced it will be expanding into a five star "green" building at 400 George Street, Brisbane in September 2009.

Chris Ward says the move is driven by the firm's need for more space to accommodate its continuing growth.

In the new premises, covering 4,300m2 over three floors, the firm will offer all team members a state of the art working environment compared to the current 2,900m2 occupied in Central Plaza 2.

"A major deciding factor in the new location was the available facilities for team members, including a gym and child care centre in the building, close proximity to a range of public transport as well as an exclusive rooftop entertainment area which overlooks the CBD," says Ward.

The new A-Grade commercial building, situated in the Northern Quarter Precinct, will also provide easy access to green spaces, shopping, cultural and entertainment venues in both the CBD and South Bank via the proposed Tank St Foot Bridge.

"It is no secret that over the past 18 months we have placed significant focus on our culture, our team and their development, and the offerings of 400 George Street fit very comfortably within this focus," said Ward.

"The lead up to September 2009 when 400 George Street will be completed will be an exciting time for all team members at Cooper Grace Ward."

Cooper Grace Ward's Services
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* Corporate and Commercial
* Corporate Governance and Compliance
* Dispute Resolution and Litigation
* Employment and Workplace Relations
* Family, Estate Planning and Wealth Management
* Finance
* Health and Medical Litigation
* Insolvency
* Insurance
* Intellectual Property
* IPOs and Capital Markets
* Mergers and Acquisitions
* Property, Planning and Environment
* Revenue, Tax and Superannuation.

For more information please visit www.cgw.com.au