Mark was raised in Toronto in a family of builders, where he was instilled with a sense of hard work and results driven planning. In University, Mark studied Statistics, Economics and Accounting, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Toronto in 1986.
Mark then managed the finance and administration of two mid-sized litigation law firms for a period of over 14 years.This was a transitional time for law firm management, as technology and industry regulation was rapidly evolving. He successfully rolled out systems and policies that leveraged new tools and equated to a new standard in efficiencies.
Mark joined Cosgrove in 2002, where he integrated his proficient hands on skills in the finance and administration of law firms with the firm's proven profitability model. Both of the previous firms Mark worked with retained him when he joined Cosgrove. One of those firms continues to be a client today. Upon Wayne Cosgrove's retirement in 2008, Mark naturally transitioned to Owner and President of the firm.
At Cosgrove, Mark combines statistical skills with a grassroots knowledge of law firm management and culture to improve profitability for our clients, often exceeding expectations. He is also regularly retained to provide ongoing financial and administrative management services. Mark has a positive, optimistic attitude and sense of humour that sincerely encourages lawyers and staff to improve their practice and work environment. Mark has presented to various Law Foundations and Lawyer groups on Law Firm Profitability. He is also a Certified Independent Consultant for PCLaw® and Time Matters®.
Tel: 416-762-8241
Catherine is the eldest of four children who were close in range, and learned from an early age how to "keep the peace" by being exceptionally well organized, responsible and resourceful.
Catherine's educational background includes studies in Journalism at Carleton, Executive Administration at Seneca College and a B.A. in English and Psychology from the University of Toronto. Always keen to learn, Catherine has participated in several skills building courses over the years which include coaching for success, customer service, results centered leadership, business writing, small business bookkeeping, and health and safety.
With over 25 years of experience, Catherine has held a number of operational management roles in a variety of industries, efficiently managing the day-to-day administration of offices ranging in size from 5 to over 120 employees. Many of these roles included responsibility for designing and implementing new policies and procedures.
Since joining Cosgrove Associates in 2003, Catherine has managed our office, worked independently on various projects and acted as an Interim Office Manager to several clients. As a successful change agent, she is skilled at identifying and resolving both complex and routine human resource, office administration, facility and marketing related issues. Clients have recognized the invaluable leverage these skills lend to bottom line results by enabling lawyers and their staff to keep their focus on the practice of law.
Because of her strong communications and people skills, Catherine enjoys planning events and has a natural ability to gain cooperation from others in helping to build a positive and productive work environment. Willing to lend a sympathetic and objective ear, she is also an encouraging and results-oriented marketing and personal productivity coach.
Tel: 416-762-8241
Wayne Cosgrove retired from active participation with the firm in 2008 on the 50th anniversary of the start of his career with Peat Marwick (now KPMG).
He was raised on a farm in Northern Ontario and quarterbacked his high school football team. As a young C.A. he brought a combination of work ethic, competitive spirit and financial skills to companies as diverse as Loeb, National Drug, Shaw Industries, Metro Toronto and Dunlop/Slazenger, always introducing positive change with a focus on the bottom line.
In 1986, he founded Cosgrove Associates who were retained by a prominent Bay Street law firm to develop and implement a profit planning system. The project was highly successful and their involvement was extended to all areas of firm management including strategy, marketing, finance, automation and administration.
This work culminated in directly assisting in negotiation of a successful merger to form one of Canada's top legal firms.
Following that merger, Cosgrove and his associates have introduced their grass roots concepts and systems with great success to small and medium size firms on a wide geographic front.
In retirement, Wayne continues to be available to the firm for consultation and maintains the balance he has taught to busy lawyers over the years in volunteer work, physical fitness, continuing studies and writing, including contributing to "Anson's Folly, The Story of Iroquois Falls", Wayne's hometown.
Tel: 416-251-7884