Law firm head takes on new role

The CFO and COO of a Brisbane-based law firm has been selected as the new president of the Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA).

user iconEmma Musgrave 06 December 2022 Big Law
Law firm head takes on new role
expand image

Stephen van Dorp has been appointed as ALPMA’s new president bringing with him over 35 years of experience to the role.

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.”

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.

Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences. 

Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.

She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University. 

Email Emma on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!