SOLICITORS Farleys has been granted franchise contracts by the Legal Aid Board for its Blackburn and Accrington offices.

The contracts are awarded to legal firms following stringent audits carried out by the board.

"In view of the radical reforms taking place in the legal aid system, it is clear that in the foreseeable future, only firms holding a franchise will be able to carry out any significant legal aid work," said partner Paul Schofield.

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