Aaliya Seyal brings a wealth of experience to the role at the Legal Services Agency.

A legal advice charity in Glasgow has appointed its new CEO.

Aaliya Seyal has taken on the role previously held on an interim basis by Ronald Franks at the Legal Services Agency (LSA), which provides free advice and representation in Scottish courts and tribunals.

LSA solicitors have recently represented asylum seekers threated by eviction in the Glasgow lock-change case. Lobbying by the charity also played a major part in the abolition of the “same roof rule” in criminal injuries compensation.

Ms Seyal brings 17 years of experience in leading voluntary sector organisations, having previously managed the Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau, the Ethnic Minorities Law Centre and the Immigration Advisory Service’s four international offices.

Prior to her new role, she was director of customer journey at Citizens Advice Scotland.

Ms Seyal is also a committee member of Scotland’s National Lottery Community Fund, a lay member of the Law Society of Scotland’s civil legal aid quality assurance sub-committee and equality and diversity committee and a trustee of the Scottish Refugee Council’s board.

LSA said Ms Seyal’s background made her the clear choice to head up the charity as it moves towards a new period in its development.

On her appointment, Ms Seyal said: “People seek legal advice often at a point of vulnerability, lacking knowledge of their rights and possible resolutions.

“LSA has a strong record of tackling inequality, challenging injustice and providing communities a voice.

“I look forward to working with an exceptionally talented team at LSA as the organisation enters its fourth decade building on its reputation of thinking outside the box and applying innovation to meet legal needs of disadvantaged communities and promoting legal education.”