The Law Society has announced the appointment of Stephen Denyer, global markets partner at magic circle firm Allen & Overy, for a key leadership role.

Denyer, currently based in Frankfurt, will come to Chancery Lane in spring 2014 to become the head of city and international at the Society. He will focus on engagement with larger firms and expanding the work of the organisation’s international team. 

The Law Society is keen to affirm its commitment to serving the 17,000 solicitors in the City and securing the services of Denyer will act as a major sign of intent.

At Allen & Overy, he has gained a strong background in the global development of the business and was the firm’s first global markets partner.

He has overall responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the firm’s approach to markets where they do not yet have an established presence and for co-ordinating their relationships with associated firms and with firms in new markets where they may wish to establish formal ties.

Denyer was admitted in 1980 and is registered in England and Wales, and Germany. He has been with A&O for almost 30 years and has led the central and eastern European practices and Italian offices.

His professional work has included M&A, privatisations, flotations and takeover bids in many parts of Europe.

He frequently chairs and speaks at conferences on a range of topics relating to law firm development and management, and was a speaker at the recent International Bar Association conference in Boston.