Steven Cochrane

Steven is strategic employment law advisor, supporting clients across a number of sectors including financial services, life sciences and technology. Steven has developed a particular focus on supporting financial institutions with their strategic people issues including navigating sensitive grievances and conduct related matters; defending high stakes litigation; the legal, commercial and PR aspects of major staff transfers and reduction in force exercises and supporting executive management and senior control functions with the people aspects of both internal and regulatory investigations and inquiries.

Steven is also an experienced investigator, having supported clients on a range of complex and sensitive investigations ranging from whistleblowing allegations to allegations of employee fraud, sexual misconduct and other forms of discrimination or harassment. As a member of the Association of Corporate Investigators, Steven is well-versed in effective investigation techniques, such as trauma-informed interviewing skills. Steven has the ability to get to grips with complex issues quickly and effectively and clients find his calm manner and pragmatism invaluable in a crisis. As a key member of the firm’s Risk and Investigations Group, Steven works closely with colleagues from across CMS’ global investigations network.

Having spent time working in-house with major financial institutions, Steven understands the need to dovetail employment law compliance and HR best practice with broader regulatory considerations. He also understands industry nuance and can bespoke his advice to different clients depending on their own regulatory exposure and risk appetite. Most importantly Steven brings pragmatism, creativity and a healthy sense of humour to the table when working with clients on business-critical matters.