Story perspectives
Federal Shutdown Leaves Attorneys Unpaid, Clients in Limbo
10/25/2025
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Story summary
- The federal government shutdown has left court-appointed attorneys Heather Shaner (D.C. attorney) and Greg Nicolaysen (court-appointed attorney) without pay for months.
- Heather Shaner is owed over $127,000 for work representing low-income federal defendants.
- Greg Nicolaysen is owed more than $100,000.
- Nicolaysen has considered asking a judge to dismiss a case due to non-payment.
- They continue to serve their clients despite the funding challenges.
