The local community legal service was set up in 2009 to improve access to justice by providing free legal services to people in Fife who cannot afford to pay for legal services and who have difficulty accessing legal aid or other forms of legal representation.

FLC is a registered charity and is directed by an independent board of trustees. The current chair is Derek Arnott, a retired solicitor with many years’ experience of the Scottish legal system.

He said: “Fife Law Centre is a unique legal service focusing on preventative legal help and unmet legal need. We have an experienced team of four solicitors supported by two administrative staff, based in Ore Valley Business Centre, Lochgelly and providing legal representation to people across Fife. Over the past 10 years, Fife Law Centre has helped avert countless housing evictions and secured justice for many people in relation to welfare, employment and criminal injuries.”

The team works closely with other advice and support agencies such as housing services, welfare support and those working with abuse survivors.

Sheila Noble, co-ordinator of Fife Violence Against Women Partnership, said: “We really value the legal expertise that Fife Law Centre brings to our partnership and they have developed a strong track record in securing financial compensation for victims of abuse.

“Their staff have a deep understanding of the complex issues that many abuse survivors face and are a key referral agency within our network of support.”