A senior Saskatchewan Legal Aid lawyer in Saskatoon says cuts announced today will hurt the people they represent.

Deb Hopkins has worked in the Saskatoon office for two decades.

She says staff learned Friday that three vacant lawyer positions will be going unfilled and six support staff positions are being eliminated.

The changes come into effect in September.

Hopkins said that accused who are not in custody will have to phone a call centre in Regina to apply for help, rather than meeting someone face to face.

People in custody will see their work farmed out to private lawyers.

She says this will hurt clients.

"For this to just get bounced around, especially if people are vulnerable, with mental health problems or learning difficulties, it's going to be very difficult for them because there will be no continuity to it, I don't think," she said.

Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission CEO Craig Goebel was not available to answer questions Friday. But, in an email to CBC, Goebel called the cuts "an operational decision to make some necessary changes."

"We are doing this to increase flexibility in relation to present and future needs of clients, particularly as it relates to bail and remand," he said.

The changes do not sit well with CUPE Local 1949, the union that represents Legal Aid workers.

"The Union is very concerned about the negative impact this will have on our clients," says local president Wanda Towstego. "Many of our clients are among the most marginalized and vulnerable people in society, and our staff are dedicated to serving their needs."

"We are also committed to meeting the demands of the court system and work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the representation they are entitled to," says Towstego.