Low attorney pay in New York: a cautionary tale for the country
Low attorney pay in New York: a cautionary tale for the country
Assigned attorneys in most of New York State have not received a raise since 2004, when the legislature set the compensation rate at $60 to $75 per hour. The consequence? A “crisis” in assigned counsel programs, at least three pending lawsuits, and a threat to the Sixth Amendment.
-
May 8, 2026
Colorado’s progress towards effective representation in municipal courts
-
February 11, 2026
Oregon Supreme Court provides relief to unrepresented defendants
-
August 21, 2025
Illinois leaves “no state oversight” list with new legislation
-
August 19, 2025
Guam Gains Defender Independence in Unanimous Bipartisan Win
-
June 30, 2025
Nevada removes political interference from the system
-
May 13, 2025
Big Public Defense Wins in North Dakota
-
May 5, 2025
Onward & Upwards: 6AC Announces New Executive Director and President
-
March 25, 2025
Maine court requires relief for unrepresented defendants
-
March 13, 2025
Gideon is important . . . just not for the reason you think!
-
September 22, 2024
New 6AC report finds South Dakota counties are at a breaking point and need state oversight
-
September 9, 2024
Federal district court in Arkansas rules defendants have a right to an attorney at bail hearings
Help Advance
Equal Access to Justice
The Sixth Amendment Center is the only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to improving public defense systems across the country. Your support helps advance lasting, systemic change so every person has access to the effective legal representation the Constitution promises.
Support lasting reform by strengthening the constitutional right to counsel.
The Sixth Amendment Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under EIN: 45-3477185.
Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.