Steptoe & Johnson has hired BHP Billiton lawyer and former US Navy commander Jeffrey Cottle as a partner in the regulation and compliance group of its London office.

Cottle, who is expected to be actively engaged for clients on both sides of the Atlantic, was latterly based in the UK, where he helped manage energy giant BHP Billiton's global anti-corruption and trade compliance programmes.

Prior to his time at BHP, Cottle spent five years at BAE Systems as a vice president, where he oversaw international compliance and major international transactions.

Previously, Cottle represented clients connected with the United Nations' investigation into abuses surrounding the Oil-For-Food programme with Iraq.

A dual UK and US citizen, Cottle spent part of his 23 years in the US Navy working as an intelligence officer in the Middle East, Persian Gulf and Pentagon.

He was decorated for his role in operations in Syria, Lebanon, and the Persian Gulf, including Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield.

At Steptoe, Cottle will advise clients on all aspects of compliance programme design, roll-out and implementation, as well as anti-corruption and white collar crime matters.

His appointment follows that of Patrick Rappo, the former joint head of the bribery and corruption division of the Serious Fraud Office who joined Steptoe in April.

"Jeff brings extensive practical experience to several areas of Steptoe's international regulatory compliance practice, particularly in export controls, economic sanctions, and anti-corruption," said Steptoe Chair Roger Warin.

"London is home to many multinational businesses needing regulatory counsel which understand the need to develop compliance strategies that are workable, cost-effective, and comply with the array of laws applicable to their multi-jurisdictional operations," commented Cottle.