Recruitment: 'politically astute strategist' needed to follow up 'Have your say' drive

The Law Society has begun its search for a chief executive to head up its representative arm.


Advertisements have appeared in the national press and ethnic minority media - as well as this week's Gazette - for the post, which will be based in London.


Attracting 'a six-figure package', the role calls for the successful candidate to 'reshape the Society into an organisation that delivers what the profession and members want'.


It also demands 'a politically astute strategist with credibility at the very highest levels and experience gained in complex organisations'.


Last month, Chancery Lane launched its 'Have your say' consultation, seeking solicitors' views on the future of its representative functions (see [2005] Gazette, 19 January, 1).


Law Society President Kevin Martin said: 'We have just embarked on an important consultation to discover what services solicitors really want from their national body. The successful candidate will be central to ensuring that the Society supports and enhances the work and careers of solicitors, and is a strong voice for the profession.'


The search for a chief executive for representation follows the separation of the Society's regulation and representation arms from January 2006, as part of the shake-up after the Clementi review.


Advertisements for a chief executive for regulation went out in December last year. The selection panel for this appointment has drawn up a shortlist, and a first round of interviews is expected to take place later this month.


The chief executive for regulation's responsibilities include establishing a regulatory company that will be a stand-alone organisation responsible for all regulatory matters apart from consumer complaints.


Meanwhile, Chancery Lane has announced that Steve White will take over from Ian Wright as interim chief executive for the Consumer Complaints Service on 1 April.


Current Law Society chief executive Janet Paraskeva, who has been in the top staff role for more than five years, was appointed First Civil Service Commissioner in December 2005. However, she will stay in her Chancery Lane role until the summer to ensure a smooth transition.