Massachusetts Lawmakers Reach Deal to Raise Bar Advocate Pay Amid Court Work Stoppage

Massachusetts lawmakers have reached a deal to end the bar advocate work stoppage that has paralyzed the state court system and led to the dismissal of hundreds of cases. The agreement will raise pay for private attorneys representing indigent defendants by $20 per hour over two years, a significant increase but less than the $35 per hour raise advocates had demanded. The deal also includes an additional $40 million for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) to double its workforce, aiming to reduce reliance on bar advocates and prevent future disruptions. New policy provisions require bar advocates to sign biannual contracts and include measures to discourage collective work stoppages in the future. Lawmakers hope the pay raise will entice bar advocates to return, but uncertainty remains as to whether it will fully resolve the crisis. The measure is pending final legislative approval before heading to the governor.