Bringing Clarity to Complex Issues

“We have enjoyed working with Steve over the past two years on strategic planning. His insights gained from significant professional experience have broadened our views and generated important discourse. We appreciate his contributions to the firm’s growth and direction.“

Andrea Lee, Managing Partner, Glaholt Bowles LLP

“Stephen was a fantastic facilitator at our annual firm retreat. We were looking for a session on firm culture that would resonate with both our lawyers and administrative staff, and he delivered exactly that. His presentation was engaging, interactive, and got everyone involved. He has a real talent for connecting with people, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating, and keeping the energy up throughout the session including lots of laughs!

 Stephen challenged us to think differently about our firm culture by working through practical examples and discussions that encouraged everyone to contribute. The feedback from our team was very positive and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to any organization looking for someone who can engage a room and make the experience both enjoyable and worthwhile.”

Ali Buchan,. DOF & Operations, Ritch Williams & Richards

"Stephen has been invaluable in assisting with and 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. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Stephen."

Darren R. Bieganek, Q.C., Managing Partner, Duncan Craig LLP

"I had the pleasure of attending a CBA conference in which Stephen facilitated a large section. He intrigued me with his knowledge and presentation style. This led me to contract him to present at our firm's "All Lawyers'" meeting this fall. At our firm's meeting Stephen proved himself to be an expert in the legal industry. His affable manner was balanced with his professionalism. He was extremely helpful in giving us direction on how to structure our day as well as provided us with a very interesting presentation on trends in the legal industry. He captivated a room full of lawyers who provided him with a very strong and resounding "great" in our post meeting survey. We will definitely be using Stephen in the future."

Dawn M. Shive, Chief Operating Officer, Patterson Law

"Stephen's sage counsel assisted us during a rapid period of growth in our business. He helped us figure out what we needed and who we needed to support a bigger business. Each time he took on a project for us such as recruitment and financing the results were well beyond our expectations. His practical advice, clear vision, and deep experience has been invaluable to us."

Janice Rubin, Rubin Thomlinson LLP

"When an agreement became a necessity to allow for succession planning and the entry of new partners, we asked Stephen to help us work through what to us appeared to be an endless list of intractable issues. He was knowledgeable, efficient, creative, and easy to work with and, with his help, we worked our way through the issues in short order - just what we needed. Both Rob and I highly recommend Stephen."

Jim Titerle, Miller Titerle + Company

"Stephen was invaluable in helping us steer through a difficult time of transition within our firm. Like many firms we were faced with the question of "where do we go from here"? With Stephen's guidance and insight we were able to navigate through the issues, terminate the staff that we needed to terminate and refresh and revitalize the practice in general. We now have a much clearer path to be able to achieve our goals and continue on our road of growth."

John Weir, Managing Director, McCarter Grespan.

We first heard Stephen speak at the BC Trial Lawyers Conference in 2024, where he presented on partner compensation. His practical insights and deep understanding of law firm economics prompted us to reach out to him for further guidance.

Stephen provided valuable advice as our firm explored partner compensation and other strategic leadership issues. Drawing on his extensive experience with law firms across Canada, he shared practical insights into compensation models, industry trends, and operational challenges facing the legal profession.

Despite being based on the East Coast while our firm is in British Columbia, Stephen was always accessible, responsive, and generous with his time. He consistently replied promptly to emails and made himself available when we needed advice or perspective. His knowledge of the legal industry and willingness to share lessons learned from firms across the country made him a trusted resource throughout our discussions.

Kara James, COO, Pushor Mitchell LLP

“Our law firm has had the pleasure of working with Stephen Mabey over the past few years. He takes a holistic approach to problem solving and is extremely knowledgeable in the most effective way to grow your business. He has a deep understanding of how to tackle human resources, business strategy and financial challenges. We have been very fortunate to have him in our corner during various transitional phases our firm has faced. We are looking forward to working with him again in the future.”

Lisa Wagner, Partner, Wagners

“When we wanted to merge boutique firm Hoffer Adler LLP into Keyser Mason Ball, LLP, we needed help to get us from the beginning to over the finish line. Stephen Mabey was the solution, providing us with practical, cost-effective advice about how to plan our mutual investigations, due diligence, drafting, and implementation.”

- Lloyd Hoffer, Partner, Keyser Mason Ball, LLP and former partner, Hoffer Adler LLP
Amy Delisle, Partner and former managing partner, Keyser Mason Ball, LLP

The strongest perspective on what we can do for our client comes not from what we say we are about, but what others say about us:

"Stephen Mabey is nothing short of a professional in every respect.  He has brought an extraordinary amount of value to our firm.  He is pragmatic and extremely solution oriented.  Any issue is tackled with the support of data and a clear plan forward that Stephen then ensures is implemented. His advice and the solutions were tailored to our unique needs and business context. We did not get cookie-cutter answers.

I cannot say enough about the contribution he has made to the effective functioning of our firm. He is an asset in every respect."

Marie Henein, LL.B., LL.M., Managing Partner, Henein Hutchinson LLP

“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen for nearly two years. We initially engaged him to assist with strategic planning and organizational development within our firm. Throughout our work together, Stephen has been an invaluable resource, providing insights on benchmarking, best practices, and effective management. He regularly shares timely and relevant literature, ensuring that we stay informed about industry trends.”

Matthew Scott, Managing Partner, Crawley MacKewn Brush LLP

“I consider Stephen Mabey to be my mentor and trusted advisor. He has assisted our firm on several occasions, helping us navigate change, enable transformation, and foster growth. His practical, tailored advice is invaluable, especially when delivering inconvenient truths that guide us towards better decisions. Stephen has a keen business sense and a great sense of humour. Additionally, he has a deep understanding of market trends, and his strategic insights have significantly contributed to our firm's growth. Stephen is great at finding creative business solutions while understanding the nuances of partnerships. I highly recommend Stephen and am confident he brings value to all his client engagements.”

Mia Hempey, CEO, Nelligan Law

"Stephen's guidance, patience and network (i.e. partnership counsel/expert) assisted us in successfully completing a partnership agreement in 2013. He took the time to get to understand our culture, our objectives and frankly our various personalities and interests. Stephen played an invaluable role in both the process and ultimately the actual content of the agreement. On a purely cost-benefit analysis, our partnership has profited from our relationship with Stephen. The relationship continues today and we routinely rely on his advice".

Michael Sherrard, Partner, Sherrard Kuzz LLP

"I first came across Stephen through a couple of articles he authored which really resonated with me. I was dealing with a couple of operational issues at the time so I decided to call him to see if he would help us out. Stephen was an excellent resource, providing insightful advice on a timely basis and within the budget we agreed to. He continues to provide me with resource materials that hopefully allow us to stay ahead of shifts in the business side of our profession. Slater Vecchio LLP would not hesitate to retain Stephen's services again."

Michael Slater, Q.C., Partner, Slater Vecchio LLP

"Stephen Mabey was of great assistance in the development of our partnership agreement, particularly in addressing our unique circumstances surrounding partner compensation and a retirement plan. Stephen delivered sound and reasonable advice, and provided experienced guidance. Stephen was very prompt and responsive throughout his engagement. Stephen Mabey was a pleasure to work with and we are grateful for his services.

Paul Scargall & Matthew Owen-King, Scargall Owen-King LLP

"Steve has been instrumental in the growth and success of Stewart McKelvey. He knows and understands law firms, lawyers and what makes them successful and that, combined with his knowledge of the legal industry, allows him to accurately assess a firm's strengths and weakness and exactly what is required to enhance performance. Steve always pushes the leading edge in terms of new ideas and new ways to carry on business."

Paul Smith, Past Chair, Stewart McKelvey

"If you want experience, knowledge and ultimately practical advice regarding the operation of a law firm – no matter the size – then I highly recommend Steve... he has helped our firm immensely over the past number of years, and we are most appreciative of his contribution... it's like having a CEO on retainer."

Ronald A. Pink,Q.C., Pink Larkin

“For over a decade, Stephen has been a key resource. He consistently gives excellent input on law firm structure, operation, and legal development. His years of experience in private practice means he has already encountered most operational challenges, and his commitment to studying industry trends maintains his importance to our operation.  In addition, he is always available, quick to respond, offering direct and tailored insights, and he does it with good humour and a welcoming demeanor.”

Rory Barnable, Barnable Law P.C.

"We were in need of some seasoned guidance and input on how to best integrate the goals and objectives of a growing partnership and firm. Steve was able to quickly grasp our firm culture and values by meeting with each of us which allowed him to organically develop and propose management policies/plans which were prudent and, more importantly, tailored to our specific needs and industry positioning. Steve does not dispense "one-size fits all" advice but he does avail of his consulting experience with a range of legal firms, giving us comfort about our decisions."

Roslyn M. Tsao, Managing Partner, Epstein Cole LLP

"Steve possesses that rare ability to bluntly deliver tough and practical business advice, while maintaining his personal warmth and good humour. He provides excellent input, creative ideas and strong value. He is also a delight to work with. He has my highest regard."

Sandra Dawe, Managing Partner, Shibley Righton