Legal services

CSEA’s Legal Department offers protection to our union members by litigating cases in the area of labor and employment law, as well as providing legal counsel to our union and to several standing board committees, including our union’s Judicial Board and Statewide Election Committee.

About CSEA’s Legal Department

CSEA’s Legal Department was established by our delegates in 1987 to better assist our union members with their growing legal needs. Over the years, our Legal Department has expanded to a staff now comprising 11 staff attorneys, two legal assistance program administrators, and eight support staff, plus a network of regional attorneys around New York State, all of whom are dedicated to provide our members and our union with quality representation in labor and employment law matters. Our Legal Department also administers discounted legal services with regard to Advanced & Estate Planning, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, Service Weapon Discharge Defense, Personal Legal matters and Personal Injury matters.

CSEA’s Legal Department fights for you!

Legal Department & Legal Assistance Program

A program for assisting our members through various work-related issues (other than Workers’ Compensation or Social Security Disability) and disciplinary proceedings.

  • Job-related litigation
  • Contract Grievances
  • Disciplinary proceedings
  • Improper termination
  • Union-related retaliation
  • Past Practice discontinued
  • Justice Center
  • Licensing
  • EEOC
  • Division of Human Rights
  • OCFS/CSEA VOICE
  • Investigation into use of force
    or work-issued weapon.

 

 

Legal Services Plan

Providing Legal Services for You and Your Family

CSEA has established the Legal Services Plan to provide legal assistance and services to you and your family. There are two ways you and your family can participate. 1) In exchange for a membership fee, members receive free specified legal services and access to discounted attorney fees for other services. 2) With no membership fee, members can still call the CSEA toll-free number (800) 342-4146 to be referred to a Plan Attorney in their area to receive legal services at discounted rates as published in the Fixed Fee Schedule.

Legal Services: Frequently Asked Questions

Peace of mind!

One out of every two Americans will need legal advice during the next 12 months. Half of these people will attempt to deal with the matter on their own because they either do not know how to retain an attorney or are afraid of the costs associated with one.

CSEA has instituted this Plan to provide members and their families with the knowledge and affordability to protect their legal rights.

View the Legal Services Plan Brochure and Application

To become a member of the CSEA Legal Services Plan, choose one of the following plan options:

  1. CSEA Charter: $100.00 – (Receive any 2 of the legal services below)
  2. CSEA Superior: $175.00 – (Receive any 3 of the legal services below)
  3. CSEA Extra: $200.00 – (Receive any 4 of the legal services below)
  4. CSEA Advantage: $260.00 – (Receive all 5 legal services below)

Complete the enrollment form if you choose one of the above 4 options.

*If you do not need any of the services listed below but wish to be referred to a Plan Attorney for a specific legal matter at the discounted rates in the Fixed Fee Schedule, call CSEA Headquarters at (800) 342-4146, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • One Simple Will (or amendment to existing will)

An attorney will prepare the necessary documents for a Plan Member or eligible dependent regarding the deposition of their estate after death. This service does not include a trust provision or specific bequeaths within the documents.

  • One Power of Attorney

The document allows a Plan Member or eligible dependent to authorize a third party to handle all or part of the Plan Member’s personal and/or business affairs.

  • One Health Care Proxy

This document allows a Plan Member or eligible dependent to appoint a third party to make medical decisions on behalf of a Plan Member who is unable to do so.

  • One Legal Document Review

An attorney will review a legal document involving a Plan Member or eligible dependent. The maximum length of such document is 10 pages.

  • One Legal Consultation (up to 60 minutes)

The Plan Member or eligible dependent is provided with an opportunity to consult with an attorney about a legal problem. A Plan Member or eligible dependent may obtain legal advice on such matters as buying or selling a home, automobile, property, or equipment, any lease arrangements, or to learn about legal rights in a given situation. Consultations may be in person or on the telephone.

In addition to any option you choose, you become entitled to additional legal services at reduced rates according to the Fixed Fee Schedule.

As of June 2021

NOTE: Some of the legal services listed contain a range of fees, since fees normally vary across the state. Each contract between CSEA Legal Services Plan and a Plan Attorney will have an individual fee schedule containing specific fees to be charged based on that Plan Attorney’s geographical region.

Download Fee Schedule

Services provided by this Plan are subject to change upon written notification to the participating Plan Members. The Fixed Fee Schedule is subject to change at the end of each fee schedule year.

In the event an issue arises as to the legal services required or whether representation falls within the categories provided under the Plan, such issue will be resolved by the Plan Administrator.

No CSEA member or eligible dependents is required or obligated to consult with or be represented by an attorney provided by the Plan, and remains free to consult with or be represented by another attorney at the individual’s own expense without the benefit of the CSEA Fixed Fee Schedule.

The following persons are eligible to participate in the CSEA Legal Services Plan:

  1. A member of CSEA
  2. A retiree member of CSEA
  3. A dependent of a current or retiree CSEA member

CSEA members must be in good standing, having met all financial obligations to CSEA.

“Eligible Dependent” is defined as follows:

  1. A spouse, if not legally separated
  2. A child (under 18 years of age) of an eligible member
  3. A widow or widower of an eligible member

Without the benefit of the Plan, these same services could cost you hundreds of dollars. Even if you use just ONE of the above legal services, the cost of the membership pays for itself.

CSEA has negotiated a Fixed Fee Schedule for members. The Fixed Fee Schedule not only provides you with reduced rates for a full range of legal services, but it also provides you with prior knowledge of the services that can be provided to you and your family at a reduced rate. These include:

  • Traffic Tickets
  • Buying/Selling a Home
  • Property Disputes
  • Matrimonial/Divorces
  • Estate Administration and Will Probate
  • Family Court matters
  • Bankruptcy
  • Criminal Matters
  • Landlord & Tenant Rights
  • Adoptions and Related Matters

In the unlikely event that a Plan Member is dissatisfied with legal services provided by a Plan Attorney, the Plan Member may obtain resolution of the dispute through arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The cost of arbitration is to be shared equally between the dissatisfied Plan Member and the Plan Attorney.

Legal services are provided by the CSEA Regional Attorney network, supplemented with additional attorneys committed to the CSEA Plan to give us the best coverage throughout the state. All communications between you and your attorney are 100% CONFIDENTIAL.

Plan Attorneys providing legal services under the Legal Plan’s Options (1-4) are compensated by CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME from Plan membership fees. Compensation for all other services is in accordance with the Fixed Fee Schedule and is provided directly by the Plan Member. Attorney’s services will be provided in accordance with the professional and ethical standards expected of lawyers. In providing such legal services, Plan Attorneys shall adhere to the rules of the Plan, but shall receive no further instructions, directions, or interference from CSEA or its officers or agents. Attorneys shall maintain the confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship in accordance with applicable canons of ethics.

Participation in one of the CSEA Legal Services Plan options will be activated by completion, submission and verification of the Plan enrollment form, along with at least one half of the selected membership fee. The balance of the membership fee will be due in ninety (90) days from the application submission. Eligibility for services commences 7 days after enrollment in the Plan. CSEA will notify you within 7 days after your enrollment form is received as to who the Plan attorney is for your county. Plan members, including eligible dependents, have a full year from date of enrollment to use the free services provided under the Legal Plan options.

View the Legal Services Plan Brochure and Application

If you have any questions about the CSEA Legal Services Plan, please contact CSEA Headquarters during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (800) 342-4146.

 

Back to top of page

Legal Department & Legal Assistance Program

A program for assisting our members through various work-related issues (other than Workers’ Compensation or Social Security Disability) Disciplinary proceedings.

 

Through this unique program, CSEA stands ready to support you with legal representation when an employer’s action may constitute a reduction in benefits, contract violation, violation of Civil Service Law, improper disciplinary action, or other violations of employee rights. CSEA can support you through issues relating to job-related litigation, contract grievances, disciplinary proceedings, improper termination, union-related retaliation, discrimination, Justice Center, licensing, or OCFS/CSEA VOICE matters.

If you have been disciplined or have a problem in your workplace, please immediately contact your Local/Unit President or other local representative at your job location. Many matters have very short time limitations. Your union representatives will investigate the matter and attempt to reach a satisfactory resolution. If the matter cannot be resolved locally, the CSEA Labor Relations Specialist assigned to your workplace will review and evaluate the merits of the case and give consideration to submitting a formal application for Legal Assistance.

The application then goes to the CSEA Legal Assistance Program for review and analysis. Upon further investigation, a determination will be made as to whether the case has enough merit for approval of Legal Assistance. If Legal Assistance is approved, CSEA will pay all costs usually associated with the processing of your case, and will provide representation by a CSEA Staff Attorney or Regional Attorney.

 

For more specific information regarding Program coverage, policies and procedures, contact your Region Office, CSEA Headquarters at (800) 342-4146, ext. 1443, or contact us.

 

Back to top of page

Investigations into use of force or work-issued weapon

Numerous CSEA members carry firearms in the course of their jobs, including those who work in investigations, probation, and other areas of law enforcement. The Legal Assistance Program provides legal services to all our CSEA members who carry firearms as part of their CSEA covered job requirements, for certain job-related incidents requiring legal counsel. There are times during the course of an employee’s duties when physical force, including the discharge of a firearm, may be used to affect arrests. Sometimes these events come into question by others, including the District Attorney’s office covering the county in which the incident occurs. If such an investigation should arise, our Legal Assistance Program can provide expert legal representation.

 

Back to top of page

Details on investigations

Gun discharge, use of baton or other weapon dispensed by, or at the employer’s direction, or other use of force in the line of duty in such fashion as to result in the commencement of a law enforcement safety agency investigation that could result in criminal charges against the employee. CSEA will not be responsible for any costs associated with attorney representation in situations not related to the performance of the member’s official duties.

Attorney would be available to respond to a “call out” from an employee facing the initial phase of an incident investigation that occurs immediately after a “covered incident.” Upon “call out,” the attorney would determine whether his/her presence is necessary and, if so, proceed to the site of the initial investigation. Attorney would also appear at subsequent meetings, if any, with District Attorney while matter is being considered for presentation to Grand Jury. Attorney would also appear at any Grand Jury convened to consider criminal charges against the employee.

If criminal charges are issued, CSEA-funded representation would cease. Employee would be responsible for his/her costs of continued representation by the attorney and/or securing other representation for his/her criminal defense. CSEA-funded attorney would be permitted to represent employee, at employee’s request, with the cost of such continued representation being agreed to in writing by the employee and the attorney, under terms clearly providing that once criminal charges are issued, the employee is full responsible for the costs of his/her representation. CSEA will not be responsible for any costs associated with attorney representation in situations not related to the performance of the member’s official duties.

Covered employees can contact the CSEA-funded attorney for advice and appearance on their behalf. The attorneys assigned to each Region are as follows:

 

Long Island Region 1

Metropolitan Region 2

and Southern Region 3:

Jim Moschella, Esq.

Karasyk & Moschella, LLP

233 Broadway, Suite 2340, New York, NY 10279

(212)233-3800 (24 hours)

 

Capital Region 4 and Central Region 5:

Brian Devane, Esq.

125 Adams Street, Delmar, NY 12054

(518)475-9845 (office)

(518)763-3769 (after hours)

 

Western Region 6:

Dan Henry, Esq.

16 Main Street, Hamburg, NY 14075

(716)648-0510 (office)

(716)361-3520 (after hours)

If there’re any questions or comments regarding this program, please feel free to contact CSEA Legal Assistance Program at (800) 342-4146, ext. 1443, or contact us.

For issues relating to:

– Simple Wills – Power of Attorney – Health Care Proxy – Divorce or family – Vehicle and traffic – Criminal – Real Estate – Personal Injury – Workers’ Compensation – Social Security Disability – Long-term care, life & Estate Planning – Other personal matters View the Legal Services Plan Brochure and Application by clicking the button below.


For issues relating to:

– Personal Injury – Workers’ Compensation – Social Security Disability Visit Fine, Olin & Anderman: Attorneys for Workers’ page for CSEA members by clicking the button below.


Taking Care of Business Plan

The Taking Care of Business Plan (formerly known as the Elder Law Plan) has been created to provide you and your family access to expert attorneys, who specialize in the area of elder law, estate planning, trusts, and advanced directives (health care proxy, power of attorney, etc.) at low, affordable rates.

The Taking Care of Business plan entitles CSEA members to legal consultations, guidance, document preparation and, where needed, representation pertaining to estate planning and Medicaid eligibility.

 

This plan includes:

    • Meeting to review your present situation & making recommendations as to what you should do immediately.

    • Preparing necessary legal documents such as a will, power of attorney, health care proxy, family trust and living trust.

    • Counseling you with respect to estate tax planning strategies, IRA and pension fund planning, guardianships, long-term care insurance options and asset protection in the face of catastrophic illness.

    • Representing you in the Medicare/Medicaid application process, probate and estate administration.

Plan advantages:

    • Low-cost wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies tailored to protect family assets and homesteads

    • Reduced fee trust agreements, deeds, Medicaid eligibility services

    • Non-crisis related consultations and pre-crisis planning

    • Ongoing annual trust services

    • Information, publications, and educational seminars

 

All Plan attorneys have agreed to discount their regular fees by 20% for CSEA members and their families. **Please note that fees vary depending on the geographic location of the participating attorney.* Remember, without the benefit of the CSEA Plan discount, these services would cost you much more. Plan attorneys will provide you with quality services and expertise consistent with the other plans in the CSEA Legal Services Program.

Choose an attorney from the following list based upon the CSEA Region in which you live or work:

Penny Kassel
Penny B. Kassel, P.C.
Penny Kassel & Associates
1050 Franklin St, Suite 500
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 294-8300
www.pennykassel.com
*Also has offices in Hauppauge, East Hampton and Queens

Ron Fatoullah
Ron Fatoullah & Associates
60 Cutter Mill Road
Great Neck, NY 11021
Phone: (516) 466-4422
Toll Free: 1 (877) ELDER-LAW
www.elderlaw-newyork.com

Ann-Margaret Carrozza
Law Offices of Ann-Margaret Carrozza
147 Glen Street
Glen Cove, NY 11542
Phone: (516) 741-7870
www.myelderlawattorney.com
* Also has office in Bayside
**Free consultation available **

Ann-Margaret Carrozza
Law Offices of Ann-Margaret Carrozza
213-38 40th Ave.
Bayside, NY 11361
Phone: (718) 224-4746
www.myelderlawattorney.com
* Also has office in Glen Cove (Long Island)
**Free consultation available **

Ron Fatoullah
Ron Fatoullah & Associates
100-15 Queens Boulevard, Suite 1
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Phone: (718) 261-1700
Toll Free: 1 (877) ELDER-LAW
www.elderlaw-newyork.com
*Also has office in Brooklyn

Matt Nolfo
275 Madison Avenue, Suite 1714
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 286-9499
Fax: (212) 286-8881
www.estateandelderlaw.net

Clifford A. Meirowitz
450 7th Avenue, Suite 1908
New York, NY 10123
Phone: (212) 764-1261
Fax: (212) 221-0999
www.meirowitzlaw.com

Brian Raphan
7 Penn Plaza, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 268-8200
www.raphanlaw.com
** Free consultation available **

Matt Nolfo
275 Madison Avenue, Suite 1714
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 286-9499
www.estateandelderlaw.net

Michel P. Haggerty or Karen Tobias
37 W. Market St.
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Phone: (845) 876-3300
www.haggertylawoffices.com
*Also has office in Poughkeepsie by appointment
** Free consultation available **

Carolyn Strassberg
Law Office of Carolyn J. Strassberg, LLC
Elder Planning & Elder Law – NY & NJ
52 Park Avenue, Suite A-1
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Phone: (201) 746-9004
www.carolynlawfirm.com
(Note: Also serving New Jersey)

Jane-Marie Schaeffer
or David Kubikian
Herzog Law Firm
Stacy Etue – Appt. Coordinator
Corporate Woods
7 Southwoods Blvd.
Albany, NY 12211
Phone: (518) 465-7581, ext. 126
www.herzoglaw.com
* Also has office in Saratoga
** Free consultation available **

Paul Pimpinella
Compson, Eannace & Pierro, PLLC
2310 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13501
Phone: (315) 724-5147
Covering Herkimer, Lewis, Madison, Oneida and Otsego Counties
** Free consultation available * *

Mary Schiller
Fessenden, Laumer & DeAngelo
81 Forrest Avenue
P.O. Box 590
Jamestown, NY 14702
Phone: (716) 484-7196
www.fldlaw.com

Neil Reddien
Restaino Reddien, LLP
3116 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Phone: (716) 235-5885
www.restainoreddien.com
** Free consultation available **

Malcolm Smith***
7416 Community Court
Hudson, Florida 34667
Phone: (727) 819-2256
***Primarily Pasco County and surrounding counties
* * Free consultation available * *

Howard Krooks****
Elder Law Associates, PA
1801 N. Military Trial
Suite 200
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: (561) 750-3850
Email: hkrooks@elderlawassociates.com
***Broward County and Palm Beach Counties

Legal Services Publications

To receive publications free by mail, please call the CSEA Legal Department at (800) 342-4146, ext. 1443. You may also complete and mail in the publications order form.

*Check with us regularly for new and updated publications.*

To receive publications free by mail, please call the CSEA Legal Department at (800) 342-4146, ext. 1443. You may also complete and mail in the publications order form.

*Check with us regularly for new and updated publications.*

Back to top of page

The information contained herein is intended solely as an informational and educational service for members of CSEA and its bargaining units. This information does not constitute legal advice nor should it be considered legal advice, which can only be provided by an attorney after a consultation regarding the facts of the specific case.