Mullins CFO and COO Appointed as New ALPMA President

The Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA) National Board welcomed Stephen van Dorp as the new President of ALPMA this week.

Stephen is a senior executive with more than 35 years of professional services experience and is a passionate advocate for the legal practice management community.

As Mullins Lawyers Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer, Stephen provides strategic direction to the 22 partners at the firm. Stephen is involved in every aspect of the firm’s business and works closely with the partners to develop strategy and set the direction for the firm’s future growth, profitability, and client service.

Stephen’s experience across both private and corporate practice and with ALPMA makes him well-positioned to lead ALPMA and the legal management community through the opportunities and challenges of working within the legal industry.

“Being a member of ALPMA has provided me with a peer network that is second to none. It has also provided me with access to world-leading experts and thought leaders that I have learnt from – thought leaders that I can introduce to Mullins, and likewise into other firms to help practice managers in roles just like mine, who have the same challenges and obstacles each day.” Stephen said.

“I am committed to supporting our valued members, while also looking for new opportunities to ensure ALPMA continues to attract world-class thought leaders who can present on a wide array of relevant L&D topics”

Although Stephen’s roles have primarily been finance based, his marketing and business development studies have provided him with the insight that having a client service focus across all aspects of business ultimately leads to successful outcomes – not just for the business, but also for its clients.

He continued to say that “this client service focus also holds true for ALPMA and in particular for our relationships with not only our corporate members but also for our partners and sponsors”.

“Over the years I have worked on developing an innovative mindset which has allowed me to challenge the status quo of how legal operations are performed within law firms. I have learned that being a strategic thinker takes not only space and clarity, but it also requires the ability to recognise that you must surround yourself with other people who can provide inspiration.” He continued.

“I have learnt that success comes from the creation of a cohesive team, that together can deliver great outcomes for all stakeholders with shared recognition” Stephen said.

“As the new President of ALPMA, I will work tirelessly to promote ALPMA to the entire legal profession and its members whilst never forgetting that associations cannot exist without the fantastic support of our corporate partners and sponsors”.