Stephen Denyer is Director of Strategic Relationships at The Law Society of England & Wales. He is responsible for all the Society’s strategic relationships with leading stakeholders in private practice, in ‘new law’ enterprises and working in-house as well as with local law societies, governments, universities and law schools in the UK and internationally; and for promoting London as a global legal hub. Prior to joining the Law Society in 2014 , Stephen spent more than 36 years with Allen & Overy. During his career with that firm he was responsible for establishing, expanding or managing 11 of the firm's international offices and had management responsibility for teams comprising several hundred fee earners and support staff from many different countries. His experience with the firm encompassed downsizing and spin offs as well as growth and integration. He oversaw mergers and associations with other law firms some of which involved multiple offices comprising large legal teams. Throughout his career Stephen has been at the forefront of the globalisation of legal services. With an extensive track record of creating bonds with lawyers and law firms from different jurisdictions and cultures, he played an instrumental role in the internationalisation of both Allen & Overy and of legal practice. He is also an author, commentator and strategic advisor as well as a respected manager and leader. Stephen is a member of the Management Board of the International Bar Association and a member of the Supervisory Board of Justice Leadership.