Solicitor and law firm leader to become Law Society chief executive

Ian led Lewis Silkin as managing partner and CEO for 15 years. During this time, he led the growth of the firm domestically and internationally, helping establish a reputation for being one of the most innovative large law firms.

"It is an exciting time to be joining the team at the Law Society,” Ian said.

“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.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Law Society to champion solicitors’ interests and to support them to thrive in a rapidly changing legal environment.

“With my background as a solicitor and firm leader, I hope we can engage an ever-broader section of the membership in the vital work it does for the profession and for society as a whole."

I. Stephanie Boyce, president of the Law Society, was delighted to welcome Ian to the Law Society.

“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,” Stephanie said.

“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.”

Interim chief executive Gerry Walsh will remain in post until September.

About Ian Jeffery

Ian joined Lewis Silkin in 1990 and qualified as a solicitor in 1992.

He has developed extensive experience in information technology and intellectual property law and rose through the ranks quickly, becoming a partner in 1998 and managing partner at the age of 37 in 2005.

Ian has recently acted as an independent consultant, using his extensive leadership experience to advise law firms and professional services organisations.

He also acts an adviser to high potential businesses in the legal tech space and has sat on numerous boards across different industry sectors.