The staff attorneys at the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office are planning to form a union.
Organizers say a union will allow attorneys to better represent low-income clients, with limits on caseloads and improved training.
The attorneys would become part of the Service Employees International Union.
The announcement is getting support from the county Democratic Committee and several Democratic elected officials.
It coincides with the ongoing standoff over the hiring of a new Public Defender for the county.
One of the union supporters, Assistant Public Defender Megan Gokey, has been supporting Assistant Julie Cianca for the job.
The president of the county legislature has nominated Robert Fogg.