About

My name is John Cooper. 

This is my personal blog in which I write about developments in UK public law, as well as some of the regulatory, economic, public policy and constitutional issues that most interest me – not least in relation to regulated sectors that I know best, devolved government (or the lack of it) in England, and constitutional reform.

About Me

For 20 years I was Partner and Head of Public Law & Regulation at the international law firm Gowling WLG (UK) LLP.

I remain associated with the firm in the role Of Counsel. But I am currently (2026-2027) taking a sabbatical to study for a Master in Public Administration degree at the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Further Background

I have a law degree from Oxford University, and qualified as a barrister at the Inns of Court School of Law. In my early career I practised at the Bar from 22 Old Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn, and then worked in-house as a member of the UK Government Legal Service. From 2003, I re-qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and have spent the time since then in private practice, until my recent return to academia.

I practised in the field of constitutional and administrative law for over 30 years, and have extensive experience as both an advisory and litigation lawyer – in judicial review, statutory appeals, legislative drafting, human rights law, and the design and operation of complex systems of regulation across a wide range of fields in the UK, EU and overseas.

Disclaimer

All opinions are entirely my own.

All writing is entirely my own. I use AI for background research and to challenge my ideas, but never to generate any content.

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Thanks for reading.

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