10 YEARS, 10 QUESTIONS

10 Years, 10 Questions.

From Daft Punk to Ghost Walks to the 3 peaks challenge, Stephen Attree answers 10 questions to mark his remarkable 10 years at the helm:

If you could go back and give yourself 1 piece of advice, what would it be? Never worry about what other people might think. Be true to yourself and you can’t go wrong.

What’s the secret for a successful law firm? So many different factors go to make a successful law firm. For me it’s remove any complacency, an unwavering commitment to serve, adapting to meet client’s changing expectations (how and where we deliver our service), and enjoy what you do.

What has consistently kept you motivated? Delivering results for our clients – big and small successes, developing great people and creating an environment in which they can thrive.

If the business could have its own theme song, what would it be? “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” – Daft Punk; or “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” [to keep us (mlp) from getting to you] – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

If mlplaw could employ 2 celebrity or famous figures, who would it be OR if you could invite 2 people to the business anniversary celebration, who would they be? Easy, my Mum (she passed away in 2013 before I took over mlplaw) and my Nan – one of my fiercest supporters and whose large portions of cake servings were legendary. The two most influential women in my life who are no longer here to share joy, fun and laughter with. I hope I’d make them proud.  If I could have 4, I’d also invite Robin Williams (everyone needs fun and laughter in their lives) and David Bowie (music feeds the soul).

What has been your favourite social event? The Altrincham Ghost Walk stands out as well as every Summer and Christmas get together with all our team. It’s always an honour to meet our colleagues’ friends and family who are the reasons why we do what we do and work hard at what we do.

What social projects have you enjoyed getting involved with? The National 3 peaks challenge I led in 2009 stands out alongside 10 friends to help raise a significant five figure sum for charity. I believe in community service and use spare time to support local charitable and social enterprise projects.

Have you ever had any moments that have turned out to be a valuable lesson? By far the most important was my son’s diagnosis and treatment for a brain tumour at 9 months.  It helped me completely adjust my outlook and ground me to always keep focussed on what’s really important in life.

Describe the business journey in 3 words. Hiking, mountain, sunshine.

If you could toast to your clients and team, what message would you give? Thank you for allowing me to support your journey in the past, I look forward to helping you work on the challenges of the present and here’s to the future – as we all know, very little in life is down to luck. The harder you work, the luckier you can be. “Praise and reverence to the risk takers and entrepreneurs!”