Legal

Larissa Cook – Legal Principal

Larissa brings to Baker Cook Advisory clients more than 20 years’ experience at one of Australia’s largest law firms, where she specialised in litigation with an emphasis on product liability and class actions, especially in relation to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food contamination and consumer products.  This was followed by 3 years as the General Counsel responsible for Dispute Resolution & Regulatory Engagement for one of Australia’s largest financial services organisations, during an unprecedented period of heightened regulatory investigations and litigation, culminating in the Financial Services Royal Commission. 

In these roles she successfully recruited, mentored and led teams of up to 40 lawyers and non-lawyers to produce high quality work, under strict time constraints and significant pressure. Larissa is a respected people leader and adept project manager with commercial acumen and pragmatic problem-solving skills.

Larissa has extensive experience as an advisor and advocate in the High Court, the Federal Court and various State and Territory Supreme Courts, the District Court of NSW and the County Court of Victoria, the Federal and State Civil and Administrative Tribunals, the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, State and Federal Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissions, Anti-Discrimination Boards, as well as Coronial Inquests, Royal Commissions and other investigations and inquiries.

As an external or internal advisor, Larissa identifies risk early and advises regarding the minimisation and management of that risk in highly regulated environments where companies and agencies are held to “model litigant” standards.  This invariably involves, not only the identification and management of legal risk, but also consideration of political, commercial and reputational consequences. 

Larissa brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to challenge received wisdom and entrenched practices, together with the ability to build the trust and confidence necessary to effectively distil and articulate issues for a variety of audiences.