Reaffirming NACDL's Support for the Legal Aid Society

NACDL supports the Legal Aid Society and its unions in reversing Mayor Giuliani's attacks and reaffirm our long-held position that indigent defendants are entitled to the highest quality legal defense that our society can provide. 

WHEREAS, during recent years we have been experiencing an increased attack on the sixth amendment right to counsel for all our citizens, including the slashing of defender budgets, defunding of backup centers and a move to "bid out" indigent defense services without adequate regard to the effect such actions have on the quality of indigent defense; and

WHEREAS, New York's mayor Rudolph Giuliani has embarked on a clear mission to destroy the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys of the City of New York (Union), the union representing Legal Aid lawyers and historically an organization committed to providing quality indigent defense to indigent clients represented by its members; and

WHEREAS, Giuliani, as well, has mounted an attack on the Legal Aid Society itself, and the indigent clients it represents, by slashing Legal Aid's budget and "bidding out" a significant portion of the representation of indigent criminal defendants to alternative defense agencies; and

WHEREAS, despite the best intentions of some of the alternative agencies and the skill, dedication and talent of their staff, Giuliani's actions are and will have a seriously detrimental effect on the quality of defense service provided to indigent defendants in New York; and

WHEREAS, indigent defendants will best be served by being provided representation by a central, adequately funded, fiscally responsible defense provider, with managable caseloads, and the Legal Aid Society and its unions have evidenced a historical and present commitment to be that provider;

THEREFORE, NACDL supports the Legal Aid Society and its unions in reversing Mayor Giuliani's attacks and reaffirm our long-held position that indigent defendants are entitled to the highest quality legal defense that our society can provide. 

Boston, MA

Explore keywords to find information

RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/StayInformed/Champion/ChampionCovers/March-April-2025.jpg?ext=.jpg

    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Elements/global/amicus.png

    Jenner & Block LLP v. U.S. Department of Justice

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Elements/global/newsrelease.png

    News Release ~ Law Enforcement Executive Order

    NACDL Warns Executive Order's Dangerous Overreach Undermines Community Safety and Trust in Police – Washington, DC (April 29, 2025) – The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) expressed deep concern regarding the Executive Order titled "Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens," cautioning that several of its proposals represent a dangerous overreach that undermines these goals by jeopardizing individual rights and the legitimacy of law enforcement in the eyes of the community.

  4. Event
    /Nacdl/media/image_library/Learn/nacdlcleinstitute/2025_Post-Dobbs_Trial_Tactics_2025-02-26_v02_Event-Listing_2.jpg?ext=.jpg

    Trial Tactics for Pregnancy-Related Cases: Skills for Every Defender

    LOCATION: The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX
    DATE: May 16-17, 2025
    COST: FREE (registration is required)
    CLE Credit: Up to 14.5 credits 

  5. Webinar
    /assets/img/nacdl_og.png

    Collaborative Approaches to Appellate Defense: Recognizing Clients' Legal Expertise

    WHEN: Thursday, May 8, 3:00-4:30pm ET / 12:00-1:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free

Featured Products