- Born in Berkeley, California, on March 8, 1955. Admitted to California Bar, 1981; U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 1981; U.S. Court of International Trade, 1981 (formerly the U.S. Customs Court); U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (formerly the U.S. Court of Customs and Patent Appeals), 1981. Also admitted to state and federal district courts in California.
- Mr. Cooper graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with honors and distinction, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, in 1977.
- Subsequently, Mr. Cooper attended the University of San Francisco School of Law where he published an article in the USF Law Review and received his J.D. degree. The law review article is entitled "Estate Freezing: Avoiding the Pitfalls" found at 14 USF Law Review 607, 1980.
- He has practiced in the field of U.S. Customs and International Trade Law, Food and Drug Law, and other agency matters, including litigation, for over 38 years.
- During his time in private practice, Mr. Cooper is often called upon as a guest lecturer by groups of importers, U.S. Customs brokers and other groups. He has broad experience in all matters relating to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, International Trade, Food, Drug and related import matters; furthermore, he has successfully litigated before the Court of International Trade. Mr. Cooper has been included on the "Chapter 19" binational panel attorney roster for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
- As part of his practice and separate business interests, Mr. Cooper travels to Asia several times a year. His practice has included clients from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, Singapore and other Asian countries as well as numerous American companies.