LAWYERS say a decision to halve the number of firms able to offer free legal aid could put families in a vulnerable position.

In a shake-up of provision, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) has not renewed contracts for civil case work for 46 per cent of firms in the UK.

North-East solicitors have hit out at the decision and say it could lead to a conflict of interest.

It could mean people from the same family are forced to seek advice from the same firm for sensitive cases such as care proceedings.

It is feared scores of solicitors and support staff could also face redundancy.

Liam Brison, partner at Bishop Auckland’s CW Booth, which was not offered a contract, said it will be “devastating” for his clients.

Only two firms will offer legal aid for all of south Durham from four locations.

The situation is said to mirror much of the region’s rural areas, where problems for residents could be compounded by poor public transport links.

“We are talking about the most vulnerable and neediest parties in family law who are talking about significant personal, social and health problems,” said Mr Brison.

In some proceedings, representation could be needed for each parent and the child itself.

“I think it could be absolutely devastating for many families in this area and you are often dealing with people when they are at their most lowest ebb,” he added.

“They may be having their children removed from them, or there may be problems with domestic violence.

“As a profession, we feel we have been undermined by the LSC for no good reason and it will have a detrimental effect on staff, on the profession and particularly for clients.

“One can only assume that this is an attempt to save money by controlling the family legal profession.”

It is feared the moves could decimate solicitors’ client base and corner some firms into closure.

Although there are no changes to services in Darlington, the number of firms offered contracts nationally has fallen from 2,400 to 1,300.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman is among those who will challenge the decision.

She said: “I foresee that many of my constituents will be forced to travel outside the constituency for representation.

“Some of these constituents are living in some of the worst areas of deprivation not only within County Durham but nationally.”

Fiona Nichol, of Wear Valley Women’s Aid, said: “This is an erosion of choice for very vulnerable women.”

The LSC will not release contract details, as it says they are subject to a legal challenge.

Sir Bill Callaghan, chairman of the LSC, said: “An insistence on ensuring quality advice provision where it is needed is at the heart of our civil contracts tendering process.

“We are confident we now have a quality provider base and qualityassured advice provision across England and Wales.”