Marion County Public Defenders sign first union contract

The Marion County Public Defenders have their first union contract. The independent agency organized for better pay and improved conditions.

Public defenders are attorneys that provide legal representation for people who can not afford one. Legal staff that are employed by the local government may have higher caseloads and make less than private practice.

The new contract for the Marion County defenders comes with significant pay raises and other benefits. Attorney Lucy Frick served as the informal union leader and said she’s most proud of the increase for support staff.

“I think all of us deserve more money, but really, our support staff has been woefully underpaid for a long time. So I feel really proud of the raises our support staff got,” Frick said.

The contract also includes seniority pay that may help attract talent, a harassment policy and student loan payment assistance. Attorneys in other states have unionized, but it’s rare in Indiana.

Frick said her passion for the job led to her involvement in the organizing process.

“Until we had this contract, I just thought, I don't know how to make this job sustainable. It's crazy like we have, I have to have the hope of change,” Frick said.

The union received voluntary recognition in 2023 from Mayor Joe Hogsett.  The group voted to ratify the contract earlier this month.