Steve O'Connor has worked on UK and NZ public commissions of inquiry
Luke Cunningham Clere (LCC) has expanded its partnership with the addition of litigator Steve O’Connor, reported the New Zealand Law Society.
A seasoned civil and criminal litigator, O’Connor has particular experience in criminal and regulatory enforcement litigation and public law. He has acted for government departments and regulatory bodies like the Department of Internal Affairs, Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Disabled People | Whaikaha, the SPCA, and the Financial Markets Authority.
He has played a role in significant class action litigation and private prosecutions. He has tackled public commissions of inquiry, such as the UK Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the current NZ Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
O’Connor has provided guidance in relation to professional disciplinary investigations and regulatory enforcement actions by the Financial Markets Authority, Department of Corrections, Electricity Authority, and UK-based regulators. Prior to commencing with LCC, he recorded a five-year stint at the office of the Auckland Crown Solicitor.
Moreover, he worked with the Financial Conduct Authority’s Enforcement and Market Oversight team in the UK and conducted judicial review proceedings for the UK Home Secretary regarding human rights, asylum seekers, and victims of trafficking claims.
