The Legal Aid Society remembers Alexander Forger, who served as the organization’s President from 1977 to 1979 and Chair of the Board from 1984-1993. He was a lifelong supporter of the organization and its mission.

Mr. Forger was born in Manhattan and raised in Yonkers. He attended Princeton University and Yale Law School. His education was interrupted as he served in World War II as a combat infantryman. After graduating from law school, he helped found Westchester Resident Opportunities, an organization that assisted minority families obtain mortgages.

“I have an awareness of suffering and poverty,” Mr. Forger told The New York Times as he took the helm of Legal Aid in the late seventies. “I suppose it comes from my experience in war, at church, and through my work in housing.”

Mr. Forger was known in the legal community for his dedication to justice and his passionate advocacy, and as an early leader against HIV discrimination. He received numerous honors including the American Lawyers Lifetime Achievement, the Servant of Justice for Legal Aid Society, Gold Medal of New York State Bar, David Rockefeller Medal of Rockefeller University, the award of National Probate Judges, and the Yale Law School Alumni Award of Merit.

“Alex Forger was the exemplar of the private lawyer dedicated to improving access to justice. With all of his activities and honors, his career in public service was highlighted by his work on behalf of the Legal Aid Society and then the Legal Services Corp. appointed by President Clinton,” said Alan Levine, current President of Legal Aid. “He was an important mentor to me and to hundreds of lawyers as well. We extend our condolences to his former partners at Milbank who shared in his career.”

Mr. Forger passed last week at the age of 102.

If you would like to make a gift in memory of Alexander Forger, you may do so here by clicking the “Give in honor/memory” box.