Bellevue Law has today announced the addition of Senior Investigations and Compliance Lawyer, Steve Melrose, to its specialist litigation, employment and private client practice.

Steve has worked in the legal sector in New Zealand and the UK and specialises in Dispute Resolution and Investigations. His practice experience expands across domestic and cross-border corporate investigations and regulatory investigations, and compliance matters.

He comes to Bellevue ready to assist clients of all sizes, who are seeking help with compliance and investigations work. This includes internal code of conduct violations, workplace investigations, fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering, and employer and employee grievances.

After training in 2007, he worked as a Legal and Policy Advisor at the New Zealand Law Reform Commission, where he assisted on a number of criminal and public law enquiries. He then moved on to practice for the leading New Zealand law firm, Buddle Findlay, before spending the last nine years as Senior Associate at leading international law firm, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.

During this time, he has advised corporates and individuals under investigation by government authorities in the UK, including the Financial Conduct Authority, the Serious Fraud Office and Competition and Markets Authority, and in the U.S, including the New York Attorney General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Department of Justice.

Steve’s recent matters include, (i) advising a global company in connection with parallel DOJ, FCA and SFO investigations regarding allegations of bribery and corruption, including advice regarding the “adequacy” of its anti-bribery procedures; (ii) assisting a large U.S. listed company to investigate whistleblowing allegations regarding a senior Europe-based executive; and (iii) conducting UK Bribery Act and US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance training.

Steve said: “Bellevue Law takes a really modern approach to law. It’s a firm for lawyers who, like me, are thirsty for a challenge but want greater flexibility. I’m excited to work with clients directly, and my new role means that I’m entirely independent of any commercial conflicts that they may be facing with larger law firms.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to serve clients who need great, independent external advice but who don’t necessarily want or need to pay top City rates.”

Florence Brocklesby, founder of Bellevue Law says of Steve’s appointment:

“Steve has an impressive track record, both domestically and cross-border. He adds huge value to the team at Bellevue and we are very happy that he’s joined us. He brings with him senior-level experience, with an impressive track record, knowing how to work efficiently with no duplication of effort.  Those who work with him can expect to receive a high-quality, City-level of service, for a reasonable price.”