The Center for Appellate Litigation & ALAA Announce Recognition of Staff Union

On April 21, 2022, the Center for Appellate Litigation (CAL) recognized the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys – UAW Local 2325 as the collective bargaining representative of its non-supervisory staff.

CAL, founded in 1997, is a non-profit public defense law firm dedicated to the pursuit of equal justice under the law for indigent New Yorkers in their criminal appeals and other post-conviction proceedings.  CAL believes all people deserve dignity, respect, and the right to be heard and treated fairly regardless of their ability to pay for an attorney. In support of its mission, CAL provides the highest quality legal representation to clients assigned to it by the Appellate Division, First Department and the Appellate Term, First Department, in criminal appeals and post-conviction proceedings in Manhattan and The Bronx.

Both CAL and ALAA believe that zealous, timely, and holistic representation of our clients are our common goals, and agree to work together toward reaching a collective bargaining agreement as thoughtfully and expeditiously as possible.  

“For the past 25 years CAL has been a leader in post-conviction practice, combining outstanding advocacy with enduring compassion for clients.  Throughout that time the dedication and innovation of our staff has been unparalleled.  We are proud of their continuing efforts to improve our workplace.  We look forward to partnering with ALAA to be even better, with a particular focus on equity and inclusion issues so that everyone who works at CAL knows they are valued and respected,” said Robert S. Dean, Attorney-in-Charge at CAL.

“We commend CAL for the voluntary recognition of our union” said Lisa Ohta, President of the Association of Legal Attorneys – UAW Local 2325.  “We are so proud that 100% of appellate public defenders in New York City are now part of ALAA and congratulate the staff of CAL on their great achievement.  We look forward to CAL joining our ranks and negotiating a strong first contract which improves the lives of staff and outcomes for clients.”

About CAL

CAL’s clients are among society’s most disenfranchised: sentenced and often incarcerated prisoners – subject to systemic and individual injustices during the era of mass incarceration – without the means to challenge the system that has taken away their freedom. CAL prides itself on identifying reversible errors that contributed to clients’ convictions and otherwise challenging the procedures and outcomes of the system. 

About ALAA – UAW Local 2325

Representing over 2,700 members, the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys – UAW Local 2325 is the oldest union of attorneys and legal advocates in the United States. Its membership is comprised of workers at public defender and public interest legal organizations including the Legal Aid Society, Bronx Defenders, Neighborhood Defender Service, Queens Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Service, the Office of the Appellate Defender and Appellate Advocates.