Sam McIvor's focus as Mullins Lawyers managing partner will be on openness and transparency

He's looking to tackle his duties with vigour while welcoming innovation

Sam McIvor's focus as Mullins Lawyers managing partner will be on openness and transparency
Sam McIvor

Sam McIvor ended 2024 with a new beginning – the start of his role as managing partner at Brisbane firm Mullins Lawyers. Fresh from a planned beach vacation with family and friends, the employment law expert is coming into 2025 with a powerful vision for the firm.

In this interview conducted shortly after McIvor’s appointment to the helm, he tells Australasian Lawyer which part of the role he’s been most eager to take on, and what he hopes to be known for as a leader.

What was your reaction when you found out that you were going to be made managing partner?
I was incredibly humbled and excited. I'm very much looking forward to leading the firm through its next phase of growth and working closely with our partners and staff to ensure we achieve our strategic objectives.

What part of the role are you most excited about? What part of the role are you most anxious about?
I'm most excited about having the platform to positively impact all areas of the firm and to work closely with our specialist practice groups to ensure we are continuing to deliver exceptional client service, making good on our commitment to grow the firm and foster an environment where our staff feel valued and motivated. I'm also very excited to identify and work closely with our next generation of leaders as we are fortunate to have a number of very capable lawyers who I think possess key attributes to become future leaders of our firm.

I wouldn’t say I'm anxious about any part of the role, but I think the most challenging aspect will be to continue to manage a busy employment and safety practice whilst occupying this leadership role and the obligations that come with it.

What can you tell us about how the transition process will go?
I've been fortunate to work closely with the firm's outgoing managing partner, Curt Schatz, for the past 6 months in a transitional role. This has given me great insight into the complexities of the position and the 'day to day' requirements. We are fortunate that Curt will remain as a partner of our firm, so I'll have the opportunity to lean on him for his expertise from time to time.

What’s your vision for Mullins Lawyers, and how are you planning to work with the team to achieve it?
We have set some reasonably ambitious growth targets we hope to achieve, which I remain very optimistic about. We'll achieve this by continuing to focus on our core practice areas, delivering exceptional client service in an increasingly competitive legal landscape and deploying focused and strategic business development initiatives to ensure we continue to retain and attract exceptional clients that expect meaningful and pragmatic solutions to complex legal issues.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave as a leader?
My focus as a leader will be on being open and transparent with partners and staff, committed to our firm's strategic objectives and to foster a culture and environment that enables our lawyers and staff to develop personally and professionally. I think it’s important to discharge the duties of managing partner with intent and vigour whilst remaining open to new concepts and innovation in the face of an ever-evolving legal landscape. I'm ultimately motivated to ensure that the firm continues to enjoy success, as it has done for over 40 years.

In light of this big shift for you, how are you planning to spend the coming holidays?
I plan on spending time relaxing on the beach with my young family and friends before getting stuck into a very busy and exciting 2025.