We believe every client should get the same high level of service from whoever they engage across the firm - every engagement, every time. We call this the Cochrane Law way.
Director
LLB, BCom
Taking over the firm in 2021, Michael had the vision of modernising the business utilising technology to create more efficiencies throughout the firm.
From his first role working in commercial and property teams in Nelson to a successful career working for a large international firm in London and then returning to his home town of Palmerston North, Michael has established himself as a trusted advisor for clients with property, company and commercial law issues as well as wills and trusts. He is a strategist and relentlessly positive cheerleader for the Cochrane Law team and is appreciated by clients for his professional, friendly and practical approach.
Michael’s interests outside of work are spending time with his lovely wife Anna and their three boys, catching up with friends, playing and watching sport, reading and travel.
Solicitor
LL.B, B.A
Tracy is our family law specialist, practising in most areas of family law including care of children, family violence and all aspects of relationship property. The Family Court work she undertakes includes
applications for appointment of a welfare guardian and/or property manager for people who no longer have capacity to make decisions.
Obtaining a double degree in Law and Arts (history) from the University of Canterbury in 2001, she was admitted to the bar in 2002 and has been working as a barrister and solicitor practicing family law in Palmerston North ever since.
Tracy is currently the Chairperson of the Manawatu Family Courts Association. Outside of work her interests include playing hockey, reading and spending time with family and friends. Originally from a farming background, Tracy enjoys spending time on her rural property, gardening and caring for her animals.
Registered Legal Executive - Fellow
Nicole supports the Cochrane Law team as a Legal Executive, delivering advice for residential and commercial conveyancing, estates and asset planning.
Starting as junior receptionist in 2008, in just three years she worked her way towards becoming a legal executive. Nicole is hugely proud of joining the Wellington Central District Branch of Legal Executives, New Zealand in 2019 of which she was the President from October 2020 to October 2022. Nicole is a great asset to the Cochrane Law team and valued by clients. Along with the experience and dedication she brings to the firm, she is also completing her law degree.
Nicole’s interests outside of work include playing social sports and outdoor activities, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Registered Legal Executive – Affiliate
After obtaining a diploma in beauty therapy in 2017, Kate decided to pursue her dream of working in law. Starting at the firm as typist in 2018, and with a passion for what she does and a love for the field of law, quickly moved into the role of secretary to Michael Cochrane.
Kate loves learning new skills and is always up for a challenge. Not afraid to work hard to get where she wants to be, she completed her Legal Executive Diploma in 2021, and is currently a Registered Legal Executive – Affiliate.
Buying her own home with her partner in 2020, she is kept busy with renovations, spending quality time with friends and family and of course her dog, Bella.
Legal Secretary to Michael Cochrane
The extensive range of opportunities and skills required to learn is what attracted Amy to a career working for the firm. Aquiring a real passion for the work she does, Amy hopes to further her career in this field and is excited to see how far she can go. With a passion for helping people, Amy began as a receptionist, moved to a typist role and is now legal secretary.
Amy is now a qualified legal executive after receiving her Legal Executive Diploma at the end of 2022.
With hopes of working for Cochrane Law in a Legal Executive role in the future if the opportunity arises, Amy also really enjoys dance and perfoming - a large part of what has shaped her into who she is today.
A passion for the outdoors, Amy enjoys tramps and exploring through nature.
Law Clerk
Looking to the firm for a new challenge after swim instructing, Paige wanted to increase her skills, and started with us as a receptionist and has since moved to a typist position.
Currently in her first year of study towards a three year Legal Executive qualification, Paige is excited to complete her degree. With a love for helping and working with people, and alongside the long standing women at the firm, Paige has been incredibly inspired and looking up to them has given her something to aspire to. Paige says coming on board with the firm and starting her degree has been one of the best decisions she has made for her career.
A keen and competitive netball player, Paige enjoys going to the gym after work on weekdays and in the weekend being social with friends.
Law Clerk
With an interest in law from high school, Holly felt the typist role was a perfect fit. Responsibility and challenges are what motivates her, and being in a team environment she thoroughly enjoys being able to help others and learn new things almost every day.
She hopes to begin her study towards becoming a Legal Executive later this month and after three years will have a qualification and from there, hopes to one day have her own clients and perhaps even continue towards a law degree.
Ouside of work, Holly enjoys being with friends and family and especially making and sampling
cockails. With a great love for travel, she can’t wait to explore more of the world once borders open. Some of her favourite destinations so far have been Thailand and Singapore.
Receptionist
After a few years’ experience in customer service and an interest in Digital Business, Madison leapt at the chance to do something different, and was thrilled when she found the advert for a receptionist position in our firm.
Greeting clients at the front desk, morning banking and booking appointments are just some of the many tasks Madison is kept busy with, ensuring the front office runs smoothly. After purchasing her own home at the age of 19, Madison finds the conveyancing side of law and seeing another side of the house buying process very interesting.
