Consumer Law
A New Mexico Public Defender’s Office Agrees to Settle a Gender Pay-Gap Lawsuit
Several female attorneys and investigators at the state Law Offices of the Public Defender are getting raises to resolve a lawsuit that alleged unfair compensation in comparison with better-paid male colleagues.
Five employees at the public defender’s offices are receiving raises to resolve discrimination claims, according to settlement documents obtained Wednesday, The agency provides legal representation in state courts to those who can’t afford an attorney. It has more than 400 employees.
The public defender’s offices also paid out $450,000 to end the lawsuit by eight female plaintiffs who alleged violations of the state’s Fair Pay for Women Act, which mandates equal pay for equal work.
