The Legal Aid Society is pleased to announce that Lilia Toson will assume the role of Attorney-in-Charge of Civil Citywide Units. In the role, she will lead and support a dedicated staff across the five boroughs who are representing New Yorkers across a broad spectrum of specialties through the organization’s Economic Equities Project, Employment Law Unit, Family/DV Unit, Government Benefits & Disability Advocacy Project, and Health Law Unit.

Currently serving as a Supervising Attorney in the Civil Practice Law Reform Unit, Lilia consistently demonstrates dedication to providing excellent legal representation and client service. Her versatility as a legal generalist is evident in her extensive knowledge across various practice areas within the Civil Practice. Notably, her leadership in pandemic-related litigation and a successful lobbying campaign for the Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) led to impactful changes, including an increase in housing subsidy amounts.

Emphasizing the value of relationships and collaboration, Lilia has mentored attorneys, collaborated effectively with legal professionals at all experience levels, and coordinated multi-state coalitions, highlighting her dedication to fostering respectful and productive relationships.

Before joining LAS, Lilia served as an Assistant Attorney General at the New York State Office of the Attorney General, Health Care, and Civil Rights Bureaus, where she litigated and coordinated multi-state coalitions. Building on this experience, she has successfully formed relationships with organizational clients, private law firms, and attorneys, demonstrating a commitment to consensus-building and coalition development. Lilia expresses a strong belief in fostering community support and maintaining relationships with community-based organizations, advocates, government agencies, elected officials, and the courts.

Lilia has been recognized as a Women inPower Fellow by the 92nd Street Y Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact and honored as one of the New York Law Journal’s 2021 Rising Stars.