Free Legal Advice For The People Of Fife

Benefits & Welfare

Navigating applications for benefits and welfare can be overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for disability benefits, housing assistance, or facing any welfare-related challenges, we can help with making the process easier for you.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

We’re here to help with your criminal injuries application. If you’ve been a victim of a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, trauma and losses. Navigating the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority [CICA] system can be complex and confusing – our experienced legal team is here to guide you along the way.

Employment

Facing employment issues? We’re here to help you fight for your rights. Whether you’re dealing with unfair dismissal or unpaid holidays, our legal team can help navigate through the lesser complicated workplace situations. If we’re unable to provide the legal support and expertise needed, we can signpost you to other services who may be able to help.

Housing

Dealing with housing issues can be stressful and complex. Whether you’re facing eviction, disputes with landlords, or need assistance with housing applications, our experienced legal team is here to support you.

Family Law

Facing family challenges – our legal team will listen with compassion and provide guidance where we can.

Other Legal Services

At Fife Law Centre, we offer a range of legal services to assist the residents of Fife, only – including power of attorney, Wills, issues involving the Scottish Social Services Council [SSSC] and some areas of resettlement issues. Our team provides straightforward guidance and advice, ensuring you fully understand the processes and implications of your decisions.

17 Years Delivering for Fife

We are a team of solicitors who provide free legal advice and representation for the people in Fife who need it most. We can provide legal advice on a range of subjects.

Story
& History 01.

Fife Law Centre is a registered charity (SC039780), constituted as a company limited by guarantee. It operates as a Board of Trustees which sustains and supports a private legal firm, Fife Community Law Ltd (SC365122). The purpose of the Board is to set the strategic direction of, and secure the resources for, Fife Law Centre, and to work with the Principal Solicitor to support the delivery of services.

Working With Others
& Philosophy 02.

We are proud to work with other charities and organisations who may be able to help you. If you need other types of support, we can refer you to other organisations so that you don’t have to work it out yourself. We are also grateful for the funding we receive which allows us to do this.

Mission
& Services 03.

We’re passionate about supporting the people of Fife. We’re a charity committed to providing legal guidance and services using a professional and innovative approach to enable clients to be heard and understood.

High quality legal support for your legal issues!

Criminal Law

Indurance

Financial Law

Civil Litigation

Other Areas

Our Team in Fife

Sam Johnston

Principal Solicitor

Sam undertook the accelerated law degree at Edinburgh University following a career in the financial services industry. He trained at a commercial firm before seeking a change in direction, working as a procurator fiscal and then in regulatory law before joining the Law Centre in 2019. Sam provides advice and representation on all matters relating to housing, benefit appeals, family law, employment, and other general matters.

Kathryn Cochrane

Senior Solicitor

Kathryn joined the Law Centre in October 2024 as a Senior Solicitor and is responsible for providing advice and representation on a wide range of issues. She graduated from the University of Glasgow and spent a number of years in private practice dealing with immigration, family law, and pursuer personal injury. Thereafter she spent a significant period working as a Children’s Reporter with the Scottish Children’s Reporter’s Administration before returning to private practice in 2021. Since then, she has worked in family law in private practice and worked with Govan Law Centre before moving to Fife Law Centre. Kathryn provides advice and representation in relation to child law, family law, housing, and general civil matters covered by the Law Centre.

Angela Clark

Business Manager

Angela joined the Law Centre in November 2019. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day administration and operations of the Law Centre. Her educational background includes an MBA gained through the Open University. She has worked in the private, public, and charity sectors in a range of professional services, commercial and operational roles.

Gillian Melville

Solicitor

Gillian is a solicitor of 15 years’ experience, specialising primarily in employment law. Gillian worked in private practice for several years before moving into Higher Education in 2015, working as both a legal practitioner and law lecturer for the University of Strathclyde. Gillian joined the Law Centre in 2025 and advises on employment, housing, immigration, and other general matters.

Kim McPhie

Legal Administrator

Kim joined the Law Centre at the beginning of 2025. She has extensive experience gained through working in the financial sector in various administrative and operational roles. Kim is responsible for providing support in the administrative operations of the Law Centre, covering triage, and assisting in the Law Centre’s outreach activities.

Michael Marshal

Solicitor

Michael qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales after completing his law degree at University College London. Prior to joining Fife Law Centre in 2025, Michael worked for a university legal clinic in east London as a social welfare solicitor. He has several years’ experience advising and representing clients on benefits and housing matters.

Gareth Jones

Caseworker

Gareth joined the Law Centre in December 2025. He has extensive experience gained through working in the financial sector in various administrative and operational roles. Gareth supports our Immigration and Resettlement project and the administrative operations within the Law Centre, including covering triage and assisting in the Law Centre’s outreach activities.

Paige Chapman

Business Support Officer

Paige joined the Law Centre in January 2026. She gained much of her experience through her work in the Procurator Fiscal’s Office in various administrative and office management roles. Paige is responsible for supporting the Business Manager in managing the day-to-day administration and activities of the Law Centre.

How to find us

90 Main St, Lochgelly, Fife (01592 786710 info@fifelawcentre.co.uk

Opening hours

Monday-Friday09:00 - 17:00