Mr van Dorp is Mullins Lawyers’ chief financial officer and chief operations officer, where he is responsible for driving the firm’s strategic growth, profitability and strategy, working alongside 22 partners.

Mr van Dorp said he plans to take the learnings he’s experienced throughout his career and apply them to the legal management community in his new role at ALPMA.

“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,” he 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.”

Client service will continue to be a key objective for ALPMA under the new leadership, Mr van Dorp noted.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“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.

“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.”