Queens Defenders

Lori Zeno, founder of Queens Defenders, was sentenced to federal prison after admitting to embezzling over $100,000 for a lavish lifestyle. She blamed her ex-con lover during her sentencing.

Lori Zeno, co-founder of Queens Defenders, was sentenced to 43 months in prison for stealing over $60,000 from the organization and using her position to secure no-show jobs for her ex-husband Rashad Ruhani’s associates. The scandal led to the collapse of Queens Defenders, resulting in significant financial losses and service gaps for indigent clients.

The public defender union in Brooklyn and Queens struck over unresolved wage demands after a 21-hour bargaining session. Union leaders criticized management for refusing terms to sustain low-paid staff, while management claimed they offered a strong proposal. The union represents around 500 staff, including attorneys and support workers, with supervisors handling cases during the strike.

Hundreds of lawyers and staff at Brooklyn Defender Services and Queens Defenders struck in Brooklyn and Queens over unresolved negotiations with management on wages, benefits, and remote work policies. The strike, averted from picketing due to poor air quality, risks disrupting courts but remains operational for now, with supervisors covering caseloads.