Legal services workers affiliated with the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys (ALAA) – UAW Local 2325 are set to rally on Tuesday in New York City. The demonstration aims to highlight the need for increased funding, staffing, and support for legal advocates who assist low-income residents.
The event will feature prominent figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James and UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla. The rally is scheduled to take place at 26 Federal Plaza at 9:30 AM ET.
ALAA represents over 2,000 public interest attorneys and legal advocates in the New York City area. These professionals provide free legal representation across various courts and administrative hearings, assisting tenants facing eviction, immigrants at risk of deportation, families dealing with child welfare cases, survivors of domestic violence, and others seeking access to essential services.
The workers are advocating for fair wages and adequate resources to address issues like burnout and high turnover rates that affect client representation quality. With rising living costs and stagnant city funding for legal services, these advocates emphasize the importance of ensuring all New Yorkers have access to justice.
Negotiations continue between ALAA – UAW Local 2325 members and their employers. However, nine chapters could potentially strike next week if demands are not met. These chapters include Goddard Riverside Law Project, NYLAG, Urban Justice Center, Center for Appellate Litigation, Appellate Advocates, Office of the Appellate Defender, CAMBA, Bronx Defenders, and the Legal Aid Society.
Attorney General Letitia James has expressed her support for these workers by acknowledging them as “champions of vulnerable New Yorkers” who deserve fair pay and working conditions that reflect their valuable service.
