Stephen graduated in 1977 and then spent two years ski instructing. He commenced practice in Greymouth in January 1980 undertaking mainly criminal and family law work. He became a Partner in that firm in 1983 leaving in October 1988 to take up a Partnership with a medium sized firm in Christchurch.

Stephen joined Riverlands Chambers in July 2003.

Stephen practised in criminal, family and civil litigation but began to concentrate more on family and criminal law at all levels.

Criminal Law

Stephen conducts many District and High Court jury trials, appeals and sentencings as well as summary defended hearings. Recent cases include serious sexual offending, murder, serious drug and violence matters and complex fraud. He has regularly appeared in the Court of Appeal.

He is retained by the NZ Police Association on the roster of preferred Counsel.

Family Law

In family matters he has increasingly specialised in relationship property but still does a large number of Care of Children Act applications and is on the list of senior Lawyer for Child.

Coroners Court

Stephen has appeared in various Coronial inquiries both as Counsel and Counsel to Assist.

New Zealand Law Society

Stephen is a past member of the Westland District Law Society Council, a past President of the Criminal Bar Association (Canterbury Inc.), treasurer of the Family Courts Association, and member of the Jury Liaison Judge’s Law Society Courts and Criminal Bar Association Committee.
He is currently a Member of the Canterbury Branch Law Society Family Law Committee. He is a regular presenter of seminars on the interface between Mental Health and the law.