Stewart McKelvey’s Chief Planning and Development Officer, Steve Mabey, announced early last year that he would be finishing up with the firm at the end of December after 29 years. In January, he’ll be launching a full-time client advisory practice—one he’s been building for the past seven years.

Why take the leap into full-time advisory role? “We had been working on a succession plan since the middle of 2014 so the time was just right,” Steve says.

“And, to date, my advisory practice has been limited in its geographical focus. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with small to mid-size firms on a national basis.”

Mabey’s firm, Applied Strategies, focuses on developing customized solutions for law firm management on a wide range of issues, including leadership, business

development, marketing, key performance indicators, competitive intelligence, finance, practice

transitioning, compensation, organizational structures, succession planning, partnership arrangements, and firm retreats. Steve will also offer private coaching to law firm leaders

and managers.

“The legal profession is in the midst of significant changes,” he says. “With those changes come new business challenges and more importantly opportunities. Old thinking needs to be replaced with fresh approaches and practical solutions.” Steve believes he can offer both.

Paul Smith, Chair of Stewart McKelvey, agrees. “Steve has been instrumental in the growth and success of the firm. He knows and understands law firms, lawyers and what makes them successful. He can accurately assess a firm’s strengths and weaknesses, and knows exactly what is required to enhance performance. Steve always pushes the leading edge in terms of fresh ideas and new ways to carry on business.”

Steve is going to be selective as he builds his client base. “Applied Strategies has three selection criteria it follows when taking on assignments,” he says, “and the first is that the client truly wants to deal with the challenges they’re facing.” Clients must be fully committed to resolving their issues.

Secondly, Steve wants to work with clients who will enjoy the process—not see it as a burden. “Clients have

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Stephen Mabey to Broaden Client Advisory Practice

Mabey’s on the Move

Stephen Mabey CPA, CAOffice – 902.472.3032Cell – 902.499.3895

smabey@appliedstrategies.ca

to be fun to work with,” he says. “Life is too short to spend time with people you don’t enjoy being around. And we can accomplish big things while still keeping the mood light.” Sandra Dawe, Managing Partner of Shibley Righton LLP shared that, “Steve possesses a rare ability to bluntly deliver tough and practical business advice, while maintaining his personal warmth and good humour. He has been a delight to work with.”

Thirdly, Steve will only take on assignments where he’ll make a real difference. “Steve has been invaluable in guiding us through our strategic planning process. His broad knowledge and experience, combined with his engaging and inclusive facilitation style, promotes thoughtful and productive discussion among our partners.” says Darren R. Bieganek, QC, Duncan Craig

LLP Managing Partner. And Jim Titerle, of Miller Titerle + Company LLP adds, “When an agreement became a necessity to allow for succession planning and the entry of new partners, we asked Steve to help us work through what to us appeared an endless list of intractable issues. He was knowledgeable, efficient, creative, and easy to work with. With his help, we worked our way through the issues in short order—just what we needed.”

All new ventures begin with a combination of excitement and trepidation. Having counseled clients so expertly on the value of facing the future with positivity and a great strategy, now Steve is taking his own advice.

For more information, connect with Steve on LinkedIn at ca.linkedin.com/in/smabey.

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