NYC Law Department Faces Overwhelming Case Backlog Amid Funding and Staffing Concerns

City officials addressed the growing influx of cases related to the Child Victims Act and the Adult Survivors Act during a recent meeting focused on the New York City Law Department’s Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget. With significant legal claims expected to exceed $1 billion, the department is intensifying efforts to manage this surge.

The Law Department continues to see a rise in cases, now exceeding 31,000 pending claims in its tort division, including a notable number stemming from the aforementioned acts. To tackle this overwhelming workload, officials have highlighted the necessity for increased staffing levels, as the city grapples with chronic staff shortages. Currently, the department maintains 1,373 staff against a budgeted number of 1,510 for the upcoming fiscal year, resulting in a vacancy rate of about 24% when accounting for prior cuts (Source: https://youtu.be/O3LoPHsJkyo&t=9470).

In response to the rising case load, the Law Department has focused on improving operational efficiency. The implementation of a universal legal search tool has reportedly aided in reducing the backlog of motions, which include necessary steps for addressing the numerous claims filed under recent legal frameworks. Despite these advancements, officials acknowledged persistent challenges in managing new and complex cases, noting that the number of juvenile justice referrals increased by 20% in 2024 alone (Source: https://youtu.be/O3LoPHsJkyo&t=9364).

Moreover, the law department’s family court division operates 365 days a year across multiple locations, reflecting its commitment to addressing the needs of families while adapting to the rising legal demands placed upon it. The division’s mission balances achieving individual justice for youths and ensuring community safety (Source: https://youtu.be/O3LoPHsJkyo&t=9264).

As city leaders continue to advocate for robust funding and staffing solutions, they express concern that insufficient resources could delay justice for victims. The urgency to act on these matters comes as part of a broader commitment to ensure that all New Yorkers, particularly those victimized by crime, receive the attention and redress they deserve from the city’s legal systems (Source: https://youtu.be/O3LoPHsJkyo&t=5321).