Cooper spent 26 years at Allens and its predecessor firms, where he rose to senior partner in Allens’ projects practice group in Sydney.

Chris Ahern, partner-in-charge of Jones Day's Sydney office, said: "We are in the process of building our practice areas with Australia's highest calibre lawyers, who have come from major legal firms. We are on a strong growth path with a range of projects for both local and international clients, who will welcome advice from John, a top infrastructure, construction and procurement lawyer in Australia.”

Tim Cullen, head of the global disputes practice, said: “John is highly regarded in his field and has long experience, which includes advising clients in forms of dispute resolution."

Cooper has expertise in the fields of infrastructure, construction, and procurement, including in major transactions and disputes.

He is a member (and former chair) of the Construction and Infrastructure Law Committee of the Law Council of Australia, and is rated by both Asia Pacific Legal 500 and Chambers Global as one of Australia's leading construction lawyers.

Cooper is routinely briefed by both the private sector and government on major projects in the resources, transport, defence, government, IT and building sectors.

He will work with the Sydney office team servicing the firm's clients in Australian and regional projects, and will also bring to bear his considerable skill-set in the firm's wider global projects work.

"I am very excited to join the internationally focused Jones Day to provide advice on major projects in Australia and overseas,” said Cooper.