The legal services industry in New York City is poised to see significant changes in 2019, as a new collective bargaining agreement comes into effect. This agreement, which was negotiated between the Legal Services Staff Association and the city`s Legal Aid Society, includes a number of important provisions that will impact the lives of thousands of legal workers and their clients.
Perhaps the most significant change included in the new agreement is a pay raise for staff members at the Legal Aid Society. This increase, which will take effect over the course of the next four years, will bring the salaries of these workers much closer to those earned by their counterparts in the public sector and in private law firms. The pay raise is expected to help retain experienced staff members and attract new talent to the organization, which will ultimately benefit the low-income clients that rely on the services of the Legal Aid Society.
Another important provision of the new collective bargaining agreement is increased funding for training and professional development. This will allow staff members to stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments and to improve their skills and knowledge, which will in turn benefit their clients. The agreement also includes provisions for better work-life balance, including increased paid time off and more flexible scheduling options.
One of the key challenges facing the legal services industry in New York City is the need to provide effective representation for clients who are facing eviction, deportation, and other legal challenges. The Legal Aid Society plays a crucial role in providing these services, but it is often understaffed and underfunded. The new collective bargaining agreement will help to address some of these issues by providing greater resources and support for workers at the organization.
Overall, the new collective bargaining agreement between the Legal Services Staff Association and the Legal Aid Society represents a significant step forward for the legal services industry in New York City. By providing greater support and resources for workers, this agreement will help to ensure that low-income clients receive the legal representation they need and deserve. As the legal services industry continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, it will be important to continue to support and invest in the dedicated workers who make this vital work possible.
