Glasgow legal charity sets sights on expansion following funding boost

The charity has recently moved to a new office at 140 Sauchiehall Street, where the team of 31 are now based in a more collaborative, open-plan, modern setting. Founded in 1989, Legal Services Agency supports people across the central belt with advice and representation in all the relevant courts and tribunals in Scotland. The charity aims to help those who may find it difficult to get legal advice or are facing barriers in doing so, including financially.

The law centre aids in matters such as housing, employment law, welfare benefits, mental health, guardianship and other related services. It also offers training for others in the legal profession and has recently launched the Disability and Social Justice Project, which provides assistance and aims to improve access to justice for disabled people and in particular challenging disability discrimination.

Following the office move after three decades at its previous home on Renfrew Street, the charity is now looking towards expansion, with ambitions to grow its operations across the country. Legal Services Agency said it recognises the demand for its services all over Scotland, but at the moment, no central body is able to offer this kind of legal support, and it would like to work towards addressing that gap.

Chris Jamieson, head of investments at Social Investment Scotland, added: “Legal Services Agency does amazing work in representing the unrepresented and we’re pleased to support the team as they embark on a new chapter of the business. By providing access to affordable finance, in this case, to help the charity relocate its operations, SIS is championing local organisations and social enterprises of all sizes to deliver greater impact for the communities and people they work with.”