The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) recently announced the election of Tina Luongo, Chief Attorney for The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.

A visionary leader and tireless advocate for equal justice, Luongo steps into this role at a pivotal moment for public defense, civil legal aid, and the communities NLADA serves nationwide.

As board chair, Luongo will guide NLADA’s strategic vision, working alongside the board, staff, and national membership to advance the organization’s mission of ensuring excellence in public defense and civil legal aid. Luongo’s leadership will focus on strengthening community-led advocacy, expanding federal and state resources for equal justice systems, and fostering collaborative solutions to address systemic racial and economic disparities. 

The transition comes on the heels of the recent midterm elections, which Luongo notes sent a powerful mandate for change, reflecting the public’s desire for systemic progress and equity.

“I am deeply honored to serve as Chair of NLADA at such a pivotal moment. NLADA has played an important role in my professional growth and has been a place where I have built lifelong friendships and connections,” said Luongo. “As the only national membership organization that brings together public defenders, civil legal services advocates, and the client advocacy community, NLADA is uniquely positioned to advance the fight for the resources and policies needed to combat poverty, strengthen our communities, and ensure equal access to justice for people across the country. I look forward to building on this legacy and working alongside our members to advance this critical mission.”