Legal Aid Strike Averted: Tentative Deal Reached, Funding Battle Looms

Over 1,100 lawyers at The Legal Aid Society were set to strike on Friday, July 25, 2025, but a walkout was avoided for now following a tentative deal with their union.
Contract Decision Awaits
The agreement emerged just days before the strike deadline. Represented by the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys — UAW Local 2325, the attorneys have sought increased pay, smaller caseloads, better retirement options, and greater job protections since their contract lapsed in June.
Negotiations had deadlocked, prompting the union to end the previous collective bargaining agreement and threaten a strike. Now, members will vote next week on contract ratification.
Progress Achieved, Challenges Persist
Union president Jane Fox called the deal a substantial advancement but noted ongoing challenges. “We’re proud of our victories on workload protections for retention, a unique student loan fund, 20 weeks of parental leave, and retiree health care, but were severely let down by Mayor Adams and our employers on pay and pension improvements,” Fox stated.
She pointed to a contract ‘reopener’ in 2026, emphasizing, “Regardless of what happens, we’ll return next year to fight for the salaries and pensions we merit.”
Responses from Legal Aid and City Leaders
Legal Aid Society’s CEO, Twyla Carter, described the contract as enabling attorneys to keep assisting low-income New Yorkers with vital legal services uninterrupted. Carter acknowledged that salaries haven’t matched staff contributions, citing chronic underfunding.
City officials shared similar remarks. “Legal Aid attorneys are critical public servants,” said Deanna Logan, director of the Mayor’s Office for Criminal Justice. “We’re relieved a tentative deal was reached, preventing disruption to our justice system.”
City Funding Issues Continue
Even after the city’s $20 million boost in legal service funding, attorneys argue this falls short given the rising pressures on public lawyers. Union leaders are pressing Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council for more resources to curb the risk posed by overwhelming caseloads and understaffing.
If the strike had proceeded, NYC would have lost its largest legal aid provider. While some organizations have secured preliminary deals, smaller strikes involving hundreds of legal professionals are ongoing throughout the boroughs.