Bob Cooper, a renowned figure in the antitrust legal defense community, passed away on June 27 at his home in Indian Wells, California, at the age of 85 as announced by his longtime law firm, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher.
Cooper, known for his charming demeanor and strategic prowess, made a significant mark on the legal world, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s.
He gained national attention in 1992 when he successfully defended American Airlines against claims from larger rivals, including Continental and Northwest, that accused the airline of engaging in predatory pricing to control specific market segments.
The federal jury deliberated for under three hours before returning an acquittal, leading Cooper to compare the outcome to “hitting a hole in one.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Cooper represented some of the most prominent corporations in America, including Allergan, Callaway, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, Intel, Northrop Grumman, Sempra Energy, and Ticketmaster.
Beginning his career at the age of 32, Cooper took on high-profile antitrust cases, notably defending Pfizer in significant antibiotic patent trials in various U.S. cities, including Minneapolis and Philadelphia.
Ken Doran, former chair and managing partner of Gibson Dunn, praised Cooper’s unique communication skills, stating, “He has a way of communicating that was authentic, believable, credible, and persuasive.”
Colleagues admired Cooper for his remarkable talents, which contributed to transforming Gibson Dunn into a leading global law firm.
A memo circulated among Gibson Dunn partners after his death noted that Cooper lost only one case during his extensive career, and even that outcome could have been overturned had the parties opted for an appeal instead of settling.
His passing was attributed to acute myeloid leukemia, which he was diagnosed with in 2023.
Bob Cooper’s life and career reflect the transformation of Los Angeles and California law firms into national leaders, as highlighted by Ted Boutrous, a partner at Gibson Dunn.
Born Robert Elliott Cooper on September 6, 1939, in Kansas City, he was a graduate of Northwestern University before attending Yale Law School, where he served as editor of the Yale Law Journal.
Following his graduation, Cooper joined Gibson Dunn, where he would remain for nearly fifty years, becoming a mentor to countless younger attorneys.
Known for his calm demeanor and humility, Cooper eschewed the typical bravado associated with trial lawyers, often crediting his team for their collective achievements.
His son, Jeff, recalled one of the key lessons imparted by his father: “If you’re good at something, people will notice. You don’t have to tell them.”
Beyond the courtroom, Cooper was an individual of many interests, enjoying golf with friends and occasionally showcasing his musical talents by serenading them with his violin, an instrument he had played since childhood.
In retired life, Cooper also took on the role of president at the Los Angeles Country Club, where in 2017 he hosted the Walker Cup, a prestigious amateur golf tournament.
His memory will live on through his family, including his wife Elaine, children Jeff, Greg, and Kathy, as well as his three grandchildren, Amanda, Eli, and Robert.
Bob Cooper’s legacy in the legal field, characterized by integrity and an unwavering commitment to his clients, will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.
image source from：latimes
