title: Robert Cook (jurist)
text: # Robert Cook (jurist)
  
  Robert Matthew Cook is a Magistrate of the Australian Capital Territory. He was appointed as a magistrate on 11 September 2013.
  
  ## Career
  
  Cook first held positions as a dry-cleaner, waiter, barman and paperboy.
  
  Cook then enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1976. He studied at the Queensland University of Technology while serving and eventually worked as a legal officer.
  
  In 1996, Cook left the Royal Australian Air Force and became a solicitor in private practice. During this time, he was also the Vice-President of the Australian Industrial Relations Tribunal. From 2005 to 2010, he was also Deputy President of the ACT Racing Appeals Tribunal. He eventually became a partner in two separate major law firms.
  
  He was called to the bar in 2010. He specialised in employment law as well as work, health and safety law.
  
  The Attorney-General Simon Corbell announced in August 2013 that Cook would be appointed to the bench. He was formally appointed on 11 September 2013.
  
  ## Personal life
  
  Cook is an active member of the rowing community in the ACT.
  
  