Public Defenders Walk Off the Job in Largest NYC Legal Strike

Over 700 attorneys and legal professionals from seven nonprofit legal organizations in New York City are on strike, calling for higher pay, manageable caseloads, and better workplace conditions. 

The latest wave of walkouts began Friday, July 18, with staff from the Bronx Defenders, Center for Appellate Litigation, and Office of the Appellate Defender joining the strike. They follow earlier walkouts at the Urban Justice Center, CAMBA, Goddard Riverside Law Project, and the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG).

All striking employees are represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys – UAW Local 2325, which synchronizes contract expiration dates across member organizations to maximize leverage during negotiations. If talks remain stalled, an additional 2,000 union members could walk off the job.

The nonprofits involved are largely funded through city contracts and provide critical legal services to low-income New Yorkers in criminal, housing, family, and immigration matters.

Union demands include a minimum salary of $68,500 for non-attorney roles, improved health benefits, uniform disciplinary procedures, and regulated caseload limits. Organizers say undercompensation and overwork are driving attrition and affecting service quality for vulnerable clients.

Juval Scott, executive director of the Bronx Defenders, said the organization cannot meet union demands without an additional $600,000 in city funding.

Some progress has been made. Appellate Advocates, another nonprofit in the sector, has reached a tentative agreement. But most organizations remain at the bargaining table.

Meanwhile, city officials say they are working to limit disruptions in the courts. Legal organizations are making contingency plans to keep essential operations running during the strike.