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To the editor:
It is fair to say that one result of the years-long fight to preserve retiree health benefits has been the enrichment of attorneys.
In the case of the Municipal Labor Committee, attorney Alan Klinger was paid $882,000 in 2022 and $763,000 in 2023 to fight retirees, according to the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees. His previous annual revenue was averaged about $200,000.
In addition, arbitrator and attorney Martin Scheinman was paid between $4,000 and $7,500 a day for his work mediating the Medicare Advantage dispute, according to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request,
According to court filings for the proposed $53,000,000 settlement of the illegal copay case, the plaintiffs’ attorney will receive approximately $10,000,000.
It seems that in the interest of transparency, an issue dear to NYCOPSR’S heart, an explanation is needed as to how this large payout was arrived at.
Harry Weiner
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RayMarkey
Harry Weiner asks an interesting question that should be answered. How much did the other attorney's receive? If my memory is correct at least one of them ran for Mayor.
Ray Markey
Friday, September 4 Report this
Harry
A lack of disclosure could have the unintended consequence of discouraging donations to NYCOPSR - if there is future litigation and legal bills need to be paid. Even more so from those retirees who will find the claims process too daunting.
Friday, September 4 Report this