New Head of Legal Office appointed

21/03/2019

The Church of England has announced the appointment of a new Head of its Legal Office and Chief Legal Adviser to the Archbishops' Council and the General Synod following a competitive recruitment exercise.

The Revd Alexander McGregor, currently Deputy Head of the Legal Office, will commence the role after Easter 2019.

Alex has held his current role for ten years, in addition to which he took on the responsibility of Deputy Official Solicitor to the Church Commissioners in 2017. 

His new role will also see Alex become the Church Commissioners' Official Solicitor. He will lead a team of 14, based at Church House, Westminster.

William Nye, Secretary General to the Archbishops’ Council, said: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Alex. He has been an excellent deputy to Stephen Slack.

“Alex will be well known to colleagues in Church House, and to members of the General Synod, the House of Bishops and the Archbishops’ Council, for his work supporting all those bodies. He brings an excellent understanding of the law, a constructive approach to how legal advice can serve the Church, and a very good reputation among all those he has worked for and with.”

Andrew Brown, Secretary and Chief Executive of the Church Commissioners, added: “I’m delighted that Alex has been appointed Chief Legal Adviser following a rigorous process. He has consistently given good advice to the Church Commissioners, and is well respected as an adviser and as a person. I’m very pleased that he will continue to apply his skills on behalf of the wider church.”

Commenting on his appointment, Alex said: “I am honoured to have been asked to lead a body of such able and dedicated people. The high regard in which the Legal Office is held is thanks to Stephen Slack’s exemplary leadership over the last 18 years. I look forward to discussing with colleagues how the Legal Office can continue most effectively to serve the mission of the Church in the coming years.”

Alex will take over from Stephen Slack who is retiring at Easter.

Alex was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in 1996 and practised in chambers in London, specialising in public and administrative law.

In 2006 he joined the Legal Office at Church House where he has had responsibility for significant areas of work including major items of legislative business - most recently the Legislative Reform Measure and the Church Representation and Ministers Measure.

Alex was ordained deacon in 2006 and priest in 2007. He serves as a self-supporting minister in the Diocese of London.