As an independent adviser, Stephen focuses on strategy, globalisation, mergers and consolidation, economics and valuation, and ownership issues. As well as working with law firms, Stephen has also worked with barristers, banks, law societies and other professional organisations and patent attorneys. He has a particular interest in the implications and implementation of the Legal Services Act 2007.

In addition to his work as a strategic adviser, Stephen is director of the Legal Services Institute and also professor of strategy at The College of Law. He is one of the world's leading authorities on law firm strategy, economics and ownership, and was director of the Centre for Law Firm Management at Nottingham Law School, where he conceived and developed the world's first MBA in Legal Practice.