Alan Hunter

Mr Hunter, who has held the post for 11 years, will work with the Law Society Council over the coming weeks to assist with the appointment of a successor.

He said: “It has been my privilege to work together with Presidents, Council members, colleagues and interested parties over the last eleven years. I would like to thank all those who supported me during that period to achieve our objectives.”

Suzanne Rice, president of the Law Society, said: “I want to thank Alan for his commitment and work over the past eleven years. That period has seen enormous change in the Society as an organisation and, together with Council, Alan has led the promotion, representation and regulation of the solicitor profession with distinction. The Society will work hard to find an equally outstanding replacement.”