Inquests & Public Inquiries
John has appeared in a number of inquests related to safety issues in the work place. He has represented interested parties in a range of inquests involving deaths in the work place. The range of such workplaces include hospital wards, care homes, factories, oil refineries, waste recycling facilities and building sites. In many cases concerning workplace accidents he has represented the company or an individual at a subsequent trial.
In the recent past, he represented the Shredmet and Hawkeswood in the inquest concerning the death of 5 men at their recycling site in Birmingham.
- Press links:
He appeared for Crowley Carbon in relation to a fatality at the Carlsberg Brewery in Northampton.
For Sartex Quilts in the fire related fatality in a factory in Rochdale.
- Press link: Manchester Evening News
For Mid UK Ltd in relation to a fatality in their recycling site in Lincoln.
- Press link: BBC News
Selected Cases
View full profile »Recommendations
“John Cooper is a warrior and certainly the man you want on your side at a substantial trial.”…”He is analytical and ferocious.”…”He is a very strong performer in the health and safety field and the first silk I would look to.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“John uses his considerable skills as an advocate to deliver compelling arguments to judges and juries. He has fire in his belly and clients love his dynamic attitude.”
Legal 500, 2025
“One of the best advocates in the business – he’s got great trial skills and is impressive in front of a jury.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Very thorough and a good technical and strategic operator.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“John is a superb trial lawyer – one of the very best in the health and safety world. Tenacious, energetic and entirely committed to his client’s cause.”
Legal 500, 2022
“John is a doughty fighter and a great choice in arduous proceedings. He is a superb trial lawyer. Excellent on strategy and tactics. Formidable in the courtroom. Great in front of a jury. Also fiercely on the client’s side and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is no less than excellent. He is tenacious and exactly the sort of person you want to be instructing in a significant health and safety case.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“A superb trial lawyer, he is excellent on strategy and tactics, and fearless in the courtroom.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Tenacious and dynamic.”; “He is a total warrior: if you have to fight for a client, John is the man you want on your side. He is committed to seeking the right result for his clients and thinks outside the box in everything he does.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He is able to instil confidence in the client by drawing on his vast experience of cases. He puts the client at ease and then in court has a very good manner with the judge. His arguments are clear, lucid and succinct.” …”…while John Cooper KC is also worthy of mention here for his meteoric rise through our health and safety rankings over three consecutive years.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
“Great regulatory lawyer, who is a superb attack weapon. When you know you’re in a fight he’s your man”…..”He is an incredibly capable health and safety lawyer” who is “extremely tenacious and skilful.”
Chambers & Partners, 2017
“His elevation to KC status is much deserved. If you have a scrap on your hands, John Cooper is the man you’d want in your corner. He is also very commercial and good with clients.”
Chambers & Partners, 2016
