Altrincham-based MLP Law is celebrating a double milestone - its 35th anniversary and 10 years under the ownership of managing partner Stephen Attree.
Attree acquired MLP Law, the only law firm member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, in 2014 from the last remaining founding partner, Michael Lister.
Over the past decade, he has led significant growth at the business, with profits rising and turnover forecast to hit £2.5m this year, up from £2m in 2022 and £2.3m in 2023.
In the last year alone, the firm has handled 1,718 client matters, with headcount now standing at 30 professionals.
Since Attree took over, MLP Law has also increased the number of its offices, opening in Lymm in 2017 following the acquisition of WH Lill & Co, with further offices following in Leeds and Manchester city centre in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Commenting on the milestone, Attree said: “I grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit, investing my savings in shares as a teenager and maintaining an interest in business alongside law.
“When I was presented with the opportunity to acquire MLP Law I seized the chance to merge my legal expertise with my passion for business ownership.
“I had clear plans for the direction of the firm and wanted to implement a fresh approach to practising law, with clients at the forefront. For me, it has always been about the client; how best I serve them and not just the law, but by always doing the right thing, both delivering results and exceeding expectations.
“The last 10 years have been incredible, and I am supported by a talented team, who not only share my vision, but work hard everyday to deliver on it.
“There is more to do yet! We will continue to work on reducing carbon emissions, with the ultimate aim of achieving net zero. Further growth is in the pipeline too, from enhancing the marketing team and expanding the corporate, commercial and real estate teams to internal development with organic progression a real focus. And of course we want to continue to attract new clients, establishing long-standing working relationships with them.”
MLP Law was established in Northenden in 1989 by Ronnie Myers, Gillian Price and Michael Lister, moving to Altrincham in 2003.
Attree joined in 2011, following a move from Lawson, Coppock & Hart (now part of Brabners), where he was an equity partner.
Today, MLP Law provides a comprehensive range of legal services for businesses, business owners and individuals.
“It was a privilege to join MLP Law in January 2011 as a partner, as it was such a well-established and highly regarded law firm,” added Attree.
“When I acquired the firm three years later, I always wanted to build on its legacy and will continue to do so during the next decade. The company’s 35th birthday not only marks a celebration of longevity, but also reflects the confidence clients have placed in the team over the years.”
