Harold (Sonny) Cochrane, K.C.

Mr. Cochrane is a founding and managing partner at Cochrane Sinclair LLP. He is a Cree lawyer who grew up in Fisher River Cree Nation and has deep connections to the Indigenous community. Sonny is called to the bar in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, supporting clients across Western Canada. He is the first Cree lawyer appointed King’s Counsel in Manitoba. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his advocacy and contributions toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. He is regularly retained by First Nation governments for business development initiatives, specific claims, child welfare issues and self-government/jurisdictional matters. His advice is also sought on matters related to the treaties and Canada’s constitutional framework in relation to Indigenous people. He represents First Nations throughout western Canada in the development of their child welfare laws and at self-government negotiation tables with Canada and Provinces. He is also a member of our firm’s Class Action legal group which is committed to addressing historical wrongs against First Nations in Canada.

Education

• University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts
• University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Laws

Leadership, Membership, and Achievements

• Law Society of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC
• Manitoba Bar Association
• Canadian Bar Association
• Past Board Member of United Way of Winnipeg
• Past Member, United Way of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Relations Council
• Past Board Member, Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
• Appointment to the University of Manitoba's President's Advisory Council
• Appointment to the National Council for Reconciliation