Jelena Lentzos appointed to oversee strategy as legal services face rapid change
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has appointed Jelena Lentzos as its new Director of Strategy, Policy and Engagement.The appointment was announced on 4 June 2026. Lentzos will lead the LSB’s strategy, policy, and research teams. The LSB said the appointment comes at a time of rapid change for legal services regulation, growing consumer need, and significant opportunities for sector-wide growth.
Lentzos previously served as Interim Director of Regulation, Policy, and Strategy at the LSB. According to the regulator, she brings nearly two decades of policy and government experience and has a track record of delivering change collaboratively while placing users at the centre of policymaking. The LSB said her appointment comes as the organisation sharpens its focus on regulation’s role in protecting consumers and supporting growth. The regulator is also preparing to consult on its priorities through to 2030.
In her new role, Lentzos will lead the development of that work. The LSB said this will involve drawing on research, developing horizon-scanning and market-intelligence capabilities, and working closely with regulators and the wider sector to ensure the work is evidence-based and delivers measurable improvements in outcomes for consumers.
The regulator also said the Public Bodies Review provides an opportunity to strengthen how the LSB delivers for consumers and the public, and that taking forward its recommendations will be a priority. LSB Chief Executive Richard Orpin said Lentzos brings deep policy expertise and a clear understanding of how regulation affects people’s lives.
He said her experience delivering complex change across government and with the legal profession makes her well placed to lead the organisation’s strategy and engagement work. He also highlighted her focus on consumers and users. Commenting on her appointment, Lentzos said the legal services sector is changing rapidly and that artificial intelligence is transforming how services are accessed and delivered.
She said consumer needs and expectations are also changing and that these developments present opportunities to improve access to justice and support a growing legal services market, while creating risks that regulation must address to protect consumers effectively. Lentzos said she is committed to working with regulators, consumers, and the wider sector to help ensure the legal services market protects consumers, supports innovation and growth, and works for those seeking legal assistance.
Before joining the LSB, Lentzos served as Deputy Director of Legal Aid Policy at the Ministry of Justice. The LSB said she oversaw legal aid policy and strategy and led reforms to fee schemes and eligibility criteria. She has also held senior roles relating to criminal legal aid, victims’ support, private family law, and arm’s-length body sponsorship.