Center for Appellate Litigation Staff Announce Union

Attorneys, Client Advocates, and support staff at the Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL) this week announced their intent to join the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys-UAW 2325 by filing an election petition with the NLRB. The Center for Appellate Litigation is a non-profit public defense law firm dedicated to the pursuit of equal justice under the law for indigent New Yorkers in criminal appeals and other post-conviction proceedings in Manhattan and the Bronx.

An overwhelming majority of CAL's staff have signed cards and have called on management to voluntarily recognize their union and begin bargaining. Staff expressed their intent to work to advance racial justice and equity within the office, overhaul caseloads and productivity requirements, improve compensation and benefits for support staff, and implement democratic decision-making processes regarding a variety of office policies.

"We work every day to empower our clients and re-imagine what an equitable and just society can look like," said Appellate Counsel Alma Gonzalez. "A union will give staff space to advocate in the same way for themselves and for each other." Read more here!