Advertised from 4 September 2026

Role

Why this role matters

Access to justice is under increasing pressure.

Across Scotland, people face housing insecurity, poverty, welfare challenges and barriers to accessing legal advice and representation. At the same time, legal aid, public policy and public service reform are reshaping the environment in which social justice organisations operate.

For more than 35 years, Legal Services Agency (LSA) has worked to ensure people can understand and exercise their rights. Through specialist legal representation, public legal education, strategic litigation, policy work and partnerships, we help secure life-changing outcomes for individuals while contributing to wider social change.  

We are seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead LSA into its next chapter.

This is an opportunity to lead one of Scotland's leading law centres at a pivotal time for access to justice. Working closely with our Board, Senior Management Team and the Partners who lead our legal services, you will help ensure LSA remains financially sustainable, strategically influential and ambitious in delivering its mission.

The leader we're looking for

We're looking for a collaborative, values-led leader who believes in the power of legal advice, representation and advocacy to change lives.

You may already be a Chief Executive or be an experienced senior leader ready for your next challenge. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in legal services, legal aid, advice services, access to justice, social welfare, public services or other mission-driven organisations.

Above all, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to help ensure that people experiencing poverty, disadvantage and discrimination can access the support, representation and justice they need.

What you'll bring

• Significant senior leadership experience with responsibility for strategy, organisational performance and delivery. 
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees or other governance structures. 
• Strong financial leadership skills, including oversight of budgets, funding and organisational sustainability. 
• Experience securing funding, building partnerships and identifying opportunities for growth and impact.
• The ability to lead, support and develop high-performing teams. 
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills. 
• A commitment to equality, social justice and access to justice. 
• An understanding of the legal, advice, access-to-justice or wider social welfare landscape in Scotland. 
• An appreciation of the role specialist legal services, legal aid and strategic litigation play in addressing inequality and social injustice. 
• Experience of working within, or alongside, regulated professional services would be advantageous.

What you'll do

• Provide strategic leadership for Legal Services Agency. 
• Lead the delivery of our organisational strategy and future development. 
• Support strong governance, accountability and organisational effectiveness. 
• Ensure LSA remains financially sustainable and resilient. 
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture. 
• Build relationships with funders, partners, policymakers and stakeholders. 
• Act as an ambassador for LSA and a strong voice for access to justice.

Why join us?

You'll be joining a respected organisation with a talented and committed team, a strong reputation for impact, and a clear social justice mission. 

LSA is currently trialling a 32-hour, four-day working week with no reduction in pay, reflecting our commitment to flexible working, staff wellbeing and creating a supportive and sustainable working environment.

We offer:

• 5 weeks annual leave plus 12 public holidays
• 2 discretionary leave days in December
• Birthday leave
• Employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working

Application notes

For further information about Legal Services Agency and the role, including the full recruitment pack and job description, is linked CEO Recruitment pack. 

Closing date: 11.59pm on 29 September 2026