Events

“Justice for All: 150 Years of Legal Aid in New York” at the New York Historical

Join us for a live panel discussion that will highlight how the work of The Legal Aid Society has shaped justice in New York since 1876.

March 18, 2026
6:30 pm

The New York Historical
170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th St)
New York, NY 10024

Featuring: Steven Banks, Twyla Carter, Alexis Hoag-Fordjour (moderator)

For 150 years, The Legal Aid Society has shaped New York City, touching the lives of countless residents—from immigrants navigating a new country, to families seeking housing, to individuals confronting the criminal justice system. This panel brings together legal historians and practitioners to trace the evolution of Legal Aid, exploring the people, policies, and landmark cases that have defined access to justice in the city. Drawing on archival records, case histories, and personal stories, the discussion illuminates how Legal Aid has transformed both individual lives and the broader social and political landscape of New York.

Steven Banks is a public interest social justice attorney and the former attorney-in-chief of The Legal Aid Society. Twyla Carter is the current attorney-in-chief and chief executive officer of The Legal Aid Society. Alexis Hoag-Fordjour (moderator) is the David Dinkins ‘56 Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Center for Criminal Justice at Brooklyn Law School.