Indian Wells, California, lost a legal luminary when Robert Elliott Cooper, a distinguished antitrust attorney, passed away on June 27 at the age of 85. Cooper, a longtime fixture at the prestigious law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, made a name for himself by defending some of the largest corporations in the United States against challenging antitrust cases.
Cooper gained prominence in the early 1990s during a high-stakes case involving American Airlines and its competitors, Continental and Northwest Airlines. The case revolved around allegations that American Airlines had unfairly reduced its fares, possibly violating antitrust laws. A federal jury ultimately acquitted American Airlines, a verdict that spared the company from potential fines exceeding $3 billion. Following the verdict, Cooper expressed a sense of triumph, likening it to achieving “a hole in one” during a golf game.
Over the years, Cooper served as lead counsel for a host of major corporations including Allergan, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Honeywell. His legal career took off at the age of 32 when he began defending Pfizer in numerous high-profile antitrust trials across multiple states. His strategic acumen and ability to connect with juries made him one of the preeminent trial lawyers in the nation during the 1980s and ’90s.
Ken Doran, former chair and managing partner at Gibson Dunn, praised Cooper’s authentic and credible communication style, noting it played a pivotal role in his courtroom success. Colleagues described him as a constant mentor, dedicated to guiding younger lawyers as they embarked on their careers. A memo circulated among Gibson Dunn partners after Cooper’s death lauded his exceptional track record, highlighting that he lost only one case throughout his career, a decision that might have been overturned if appealed.
Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia earlier this year, Cooper’s passing marked the loss of not just a skilled attorney but a person who embodied humility and kindness. Ted Boutrous, a partner at Gibson Dunn, remarked that Cooper’s journey mirrored the evolution of Los Angeles law firms gaining prominence on the national and global stage.
Born on September 6, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, Cooper attended Northwestern University and later, Yale Law School, where he was the editor of the Yale Law Journal. After nearly 50 years with Gibson Dunn, he left a legacy of excellence both as a litigator and mentor, known for his calm demeanor and generous spirit.
Outside the courtroom, Cooper enjoyed golf and often entertained friends with his musical talent, playing the violin since childhood. He held the prestigious position of president at the Los Angeles Country Club after retirement, where he hosted the renowned Walker Cup in 2017.
Cooper leaves behind his wife Elaine, children Jeff, Greg, and Kathy, along with three grandchildren. His remarkable contributions to the legal field and his foundational role in nurturing future generations of lawyers will be long remembered.
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