Chief executive of the Law Society of England and Wales Paul Tennant is leaving after almost five years to head up a charity for the elderly.

The Abbeyfield Society is a national charity that provides care and housing and manages over 100 properties across Britain

Tennant has led the Law Society through a modernisation process and his new role at Abbeyfield marks a return to the housing sector, where he spent the majority of his career.

Contribution

I. Stephanie Boyce, Law Society President, said: “Paul has made an enormous contribution to the solicitors’ profession.  He will leave the Law Society better equipped to support our members with the opportunities and challenges they face.”

Robert Bourns, Law Society chair, said Tennant had been chief executive during a period of continuing change for the profession and the Law Society. 

“He has led the renewal of the infrastructure, enabling the Society to respond rapidly to the needs of our members and others during the pandemic,” he said.

A successor will be appointed in due course.