Richard Cook

Richard Cook is a Principal and serves as the Head of the Property and Commercial teams at Fishburn Watson O'Brien. With extensive experience in large property transactions and multidisciplinary commercial solutions, he has built a reputation for providing insightful legal advice to private sector clients across NSW, QLD, and the ACT. Richard's expertise in navigating complex property transactions ensures clients receive comprehensive support from inception to completion. He tackles a wide spectrum of legal elements spanning property, business, and tax law to deliver advice that aligns with a client's business objectives. Known for his strategic approach, Richard manages major commercial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and disposals, for both Australian and international corporates. In the realm of tax law, Richard brings significant advisory skills, crafting tax strategies that consider numerous financial implications, from stamp duty to capital gains. His capabilities extend to overseeing commercial restructuring, share transfers, and the establishment of corporate entities. His property practice stands out through his involvement with high-value transactions for leading developers on the Eastern Seaboard. Richard expertly handles contracts, easements, and lease agreements, working closely with industry professionals in sectors such as retail and accommodation. His advice is further enhanced by an understanding of wider economic trends, ensuring that his clients remain ahead in a dynamic market. Richard's education includes a Masters of Taxation from the University of NSW and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canberra. With a career enriched by roles at Capon and Hubert Lawyers and Mediators, Phelps Reid Lawyers, and within the Commonwealth Department of Treasury, his background underscores his adept handling of complex tax policy issues.