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
The extensive range of opportunities and skills required to learn is what attracted Amy to a career working for the firm. Acquiring 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 then moved into the role of secretary to Michael Cochrane.
Amy is now working as a registered legal executive after receiving her Legal Executive Diploma at the end of 2022.
Outside of work Amy also really enjoys dance and performing - 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.
Legal Secretary to Nicole Mangin
Paige joined the firm in early 2021, initially as our receptionist. Since then, she has transitioned into a typist role and now into the role of legal secretary to Nicole.
Paige finds the diverse areas of law both stimulating and rewarding, and her growth within the firm has only strengthened her interest to the legal field, developing a newfound passion for the work she does. After previously working as a children’s swim instructor, Paige has discovered that she loves to help people, and this is what drives and motivates her to excel in her role. Having recently completed her Legal Executive Diploma, joining the firm and completing her legal studies has been one of the best decisions she has made for her professional journey, and she looks forward to further expanding her knowledge and confidence.
An avid and competitive netball player, Paige enjoys playing both social and competitive sports, and loves actively spending her weekends with friends and family or going for walks with her dogs.
Legal Secretary to Michael Cochrane
With an interest in law since high school, Holly began as a typist, and has now moved into the role of secretary to Michael Cochrane. Completing settlements, preparing documents and communicating with clients. 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.
Holly is currently in her last year of her legal executive study and hopes to one day have her own clients and perhaps even continue towards a law degree.
Outside of work, Holly enjoys socialising with friends and family and going to gym classes. With a great love of travel, she can’t wait to explore more, some of her favourite destinations have been Thailand and Singapore and she would love to travel across Europe one day.
Receptionist
Sophie completed high school at the end of 2023 and transitioned directly into the role of Receptionist at Cochrane Law in January. With three years of prior customer service experience, Sophie efficiently manages various responsibilities, including front desk duties, phone communication, appointment scheduling, banking tasks, and typist work. Enthusiastic about learning, she looks forward to acquiring new skills.
In the near future, Sophie plans to commence her studies to become a legal executive, reflecting a keen interest in the legal field. Outside of work, Sophie leads an active lifestyle. She has been a dancer for most of her life and maintains a regular gym routine. She also enjoys participating in team sports such as netball and football. Her interests include shopping, spending time at the beach (particularly the Mount), and traveling – she aspires to explore every corner of the world. Above all, she values spending quality time with friends and family.
