The Law Society of England and Wales has appointed Ian Jeffery as chief executive. He will take over from interim chief executive Gerry Walsh in September.

Ian Jeffery joined Lewis Silkin in 1990 and qualified as a solicitor in 1992. He has extensive experience in information technology and intellectual property law. He became a partner at the firm in 1998 and managing partner in 2005, at the age of 37.

He led Lewis Silkin for 15 years and drove the growth of the firm, both domestically and internationally.

Valuable skills

Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "I am delighted to welcome Ian to the Law Society and look forward very much to working with him as he takes the helm.

"As a solicitor and law-firm leader, Ian comes with valuable and highly relevant skills amassed during his time as a managing partner and chief executive at a large firm, from his specialism in intellectual property and his early experience in legal aid.

“I am confident he will develop an ever-more sophisticated approach to meeting our members’ needs, from in-house to government, from the City to legal-aid practitioners and high-street solicitors. 

"I know Ian will be instrumental in helping us to continue to realise our vision for a valued profession delivering the highest quality legal services in the public interest and advancing the rule of law.”

Deep expertise

Law Society chair Robert Bourns said: “We count ourselves lucky to have Ian as our incoming chief executive. He has deep sector expertise, and experience leading a large firm as managing partner and chief executive.”

Ian Jeffery commented: "It is an exciting time to be joining the team at the Law Society. As the voice of the solicitors' profession the organisation has a huge role to play in shaping the future of legal services, addressing immediate challenges and leading conversation around long term opportunities. 

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand how solicitors make an enormous contribution to society. They are on every high street in every town and city in the country, as well as in all the major commercial centres – working independently, in firms and in-house – providing invaluable support to families and businesses alike.”