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UrduOur History Mirrors the City We Serve
For nearly 150 years, it has been our privilege to protect, defend, and advocate for the rights of generations of vulnerable New Yorkers, families, and communities.
Milestones and History
2021
A Housing Win for Young Adults
2021
Passage of the START Act
2021
Wifi Access for Students who are Homeless
2021
A National Model for Marijuana Legalization
2020
Rising to the Challenges of COVID-19
2019
Major Rent Reform Comes to NYC
2019
A Victory for Young Immigrants
2018
Joe Biden Recognizes The Legal Aid Society
2018
A Temporary Restraining Order Against Family Separation
2017
Queens Celebrates 50 Years of Service
2017
Rallies for Criminal Justice System Reform
2017
The Juvenile Rights Practice Receives Prestigious Congressional Award
2012
The Legal Aid Society Receives the City Bar’s “Diversity Champion” Award
Explore this Milestone2010
A Century of Service in the Bronx
2010
Challenging Unlawful Housing Practices & Supporting Haitian Immigrants
2009
Criminal Defense Caseload Standards Established
2009
A Proposal to Modernize Restrictive Criminal Discovery Rules
2009
The Legal Aid Society Updates Brand
2009
Juvenile Rights Challenges Unjust Treatment in OCFA Residential Centers
2009
Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman Presides Over Pro Bono Awards
2007
Improvements in the Treatment of Prisoners with Mental Illnesses
2006
A Landmark Settlement Benefitting Thousands of New Yorkers with Disabilities
2005
Restructuring Continues & New Practice Heads are Appointed
2005
Legislative Reform Leads to Re-Sentencing Representation
2005
Requiring Landlords to Accept Section 8 Subsidies
2005
Defending Public Assistance for Immigrants
2001
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is Keynote Speaker for Legal Aid Society Exhibition
2000
Ensuring Young Prisoners’ Access to Education
2000
Protecting the Health of Homeless Children
2000
Defending Homeless Families from Shelter Eviction
1999
Protecting Benefits and Improving Shelter Conditions
1999
Health Law Unit Challenges Denial of Benefits for Immigrants
1998
Responding to Mass Violations of Elderly Rights
1998
Ending Jail Brutality
1997
Disputing Single-Parent Workfare Assignments
1997
The Appellate Division Defends McCain Ruling
1997
The Legal Aid Society Headquarters Moves to Church Street
1996
Federal Funding Rejected
1996
Counsel to the Coalition for the Homeless
1995
Capital Defense Unit Established
1995
Fighting for the Rights of the Hearing-Impaired
1995
Challenging Inadequate Medical Access
1993
Commemorative Plaque Installed
1992
Public Housing Provided for Victims of Racial Discrimination
1991
Special Litigation Unit Wins 24-Hour Standard from Arrest to Arraignment
1988
Prisoners’ Rights Project Secures Health Standards for City Jails
1987
Advancing City Shelter Standards
1986
Fighting for the Rights of New York City’s Children
1975
Case Victories for More New Yorkers
1974
Brooklyn Office for the Aging Opens
1973
Challenging Unethical Punishment in State Facilities for Youth
1972
Parole Revocation Defense Unit Established
1972
Landmark Litigation on Behalf of Mentally Disabled
1972
Federal Rights & Standards Established for PINS Children
1970
Successfully Challenging the NYCHA
1970
Supreme Court Victories for Due Process
1969
Association of Legal Aid Attorneys Established
1968
Civil Appeals and Law Reform Unit Launches
1968
Merged with the Community Law Office Program
1967
Bronx Neighborhood Office Opens
1967
Law Student Intern Program Established
1967
Influencing National Law Reform