Diane Coffin

Diane is a multidisciplinary lawyer who specializes in the areas of planning, local government law, environmental law and sustainability, and property development.

As a special counsel in Cooper Grace Ward’s property, planning and environment team, Diane provides a wide range of legal advice and support to developers, local governments and statutory authorities.

Diane has more than 15 years’ experience gained through legal roles both in private practice and in a major in-house legal department.

She has regularly appeared in the Planning and Environment Court, undertaking numerous litigious matters on behalf of development corporations, local governments and special interest groups. She has also drafted and reviewed planning instruments, local laws and many types of agreements and deeds for local authorities in southeast and rural Queensland.

In addition, Diane has extensive experience in managing the development approvals process for major infrastructure and development projects.

Prior to joining Cooper Grace Ward, Diane held a senior legal role for 10 years within Urban Utilities, the statutory authority responsible for the delivery of retail water supply and wastewater services across five local government areas in South East Queensland.

During this time, Diane provided complex and strategic legal advice to the organization’s board, CEO and executive leadership team. She was well regarded for her ability to provide legal guidance that facilitated strategic decision-making and brings this approach to her day-to-day work with clients of Cooper Grace Ward.