As New York City grew, so did The Legal Aid Society and the scope of its work. By 1899, Legal Aid had 3 new branch offices; each new office addressed the unique problems of a particular group of people. Legal Aid also pressed for legislation to prevent abuses of the poor. An amendment to The Legal Aid Society’s mission statement specifically avowed reform. In the South Street Seaport, The Seaman’s Branch assisted sailors who fell victim to unscrupulous labor agents known as “crimps” who stole the sailors’ possessions and sold the men to shippers; the branch began The Legal Aid Society’s long and honored presence in the federal courts because of its progress protecting the rights of sailors through litigation and proposed legislation.

The East Side Branch served immigrants in the old 10th Ward, known as Hell’s Kitchen. The Women’s Branch, later changed to the West Side Branch, represented women seeking divorce as well as domestic workers with wage and dismissal claims. The Legal Aid Society was in the forefront championing the rights of low-income working women who needed the protection of the law.