August 7, 2026

Bronx, NY – The Bronx Defenders and its unionized staff have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The agreement will now go to union members for a ratification vote. 

Juval O. Scott, Executive Director of The Bronx Defenders, issued the following statement: 

“I am thrilled that we have found a path forward. As I had made clear from the beginning, we needed a contract that would raise compensation across every staff role and strengthen our ability to recruit and retain excellent attorneys, social workers, investigators, advocates, and support staff. 

“This contract does just that. These investments will strengthen the shared purpose that brought us all to The Bronx Defenders: standing beside individuals and families across the Bronx when they need us most. The people we serve deserve an office that is strong, united, and prepared to fight for them without exception. 

“We look forward to welcoming our colleagues back and continuing this work with our full staff.” 

Agreement Details 

The tentative three-year agreement would include: 

• – Salary increases across every staff role 
• – New starting salaries and scales for attorneys, social workers, and support staff 
  • – $95,000 for first-year attorneys 
  • – $91,000 for first-year social workers 
  • – $70,555 for first-year support and administrative staff 
• – Additional compensation for investigators, advocates, and arraignment work 
• – Expanded leave, student-loan support, and retirement benefits 
• – An increased annual cost-of-living adjustment of 3% 

The tentative agreement will now go to the union members for a ratification vote. 

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