Paul Brown to retire from Legal Services Agency

Paul Brown, principal solicitor at the Legal Services Agency Law Centre in Glasgow, is retiring this month.

A central figure in the law centre movement for over 40 years, Mr Brown has been responsible for numerous significant initiatives in the legal field and has contributed directly to the development of areas of law including, housing, homelessness, mental health, and criminal injuries compensation among others.  

He has led Legal Services Agency ("LSA"), Scotland’s largest not-for-profit law centre, for more than 30 years. With over 30 staff, it plays a central role in the provision of legal advice and representation to marginalised communities across the central belt of Scotland and in fighting for social justice. "His drive and energy have been fundamental to the development of LSA since its inception and through this, helped to change the legal landscape in Scotland", the Agency said. "Through his work and that of everyone involved in LSA, the organisation has gone from strength to strength." 

LSA also has a well-established programme of seminars, conferences and CPD events for the legal field and beyond, and has been a committed provider of volunteer opportunities and traineeships for entrants to the legal field over many years. Among its former volunteers is First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.  

Mr Brown leaves a well established structure at LSA under the leadership of CEO Aaliya Seyal, who has been with LSA for over two years, during which she has built a new management team to oversee the delivery of legal services. New funding streams have been sourced to broaden the work of LSA further and widen its reach to marginalised groups and communities. New trustees are in the process of joining the board of directors, which will enhance its ability to provide the necessary oversight and strategic direction.

Barrie Levine, chair of LSA commented: “Paul leaves LSA at a time when the challenges facing society and people in disadvantage are growing and the need for legal representation amongst vulnerable groups is growing apace. Whilst Paul will be missed, LSA is in a strong position to continue its work and I am confident that the skilled and committed staff of LSA will continue to deliver a high-quality service and continue to be at the forefront of challenging inequality and promoting human rights for many years to come."