Law Society chief executive Janet Paraskeva has struck a deal that will allow her to stay on in the role until the end of next year, it has emerged, as speculation continues over the future of Chancery Lane’s top brass.

Paraskeva, who was initially due to retire after her 60th birthday in May next year, has sealed an agreement with the society that will allow her to delay her retirement date until as late as 1 January, 2007.