New York City’s assigned counsel, or 18-B attorneys, haven’t gotten a raise since 2004, which leading bar association groups allege in a lawsuit filed on Monday is forcing lawyers to abandon those positions, and potentially depriving low-income defendants and children of adequate representation.

In a petition filed in Manhattan Supreme Court against New York State and New York City, as well as the state’s Finance Department, the bar groups argue that an “exodus” of attorneys from 18-B panels is creating greater workloads for those who remain, which is ultimately detrimental for clients.