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As New York City’s citywide public defender, we believe advocacy is not confined to a courtroom — it lives in every neighborhood, every family, and every story that shapes our clients’ lives. Our work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves dignity, support, and the chance to thrive. Through our holistic practice, we bring fierce, unwavering representation to those we serve, always guided by the belief that justice is a collective responsibility.
Every day, in courthouses and communities across the city our Criminal Defense team advocates for the rights of all New Yorkers. Learn more about the services we provide.
Our specialized teams have experience working on nearly every area of law that impacts New Yorkers. Explore the ways we fight on behalf of clients and communities.
Criminal Defense Trial Offices
Criminal Appeals Bureau
Parole Revocation Defense Unit
The Prisoners' Rights Project
Jennvine Wong is making sure police officers who commit egregious acts against the communities we serve are held accountable.
The Legal Aid Society lauded Governor Kathy Hochul for signing the Clean Slate Act into law.
Legal Aid has long been an advocate for the critical legislation that will automatically seal conviction records for more than 2.3 million New Yorkers — a disproportionate number of whom are from low-income communities of color.
As the primary public defender in New York City, our impact goes beyond any single case or client. We’re committed to addressing systemic inequities in the criminal legal system so no one is denied their right to freedom and the presumption of innocence.
Total client matters handled by the Criminal Defense Practice.
Helpline calls answered by the Prisoners’ Rights Project.
Clients who received relief post-conviction, including reduced sentences of incarceration, probation, or parole.
The Legal Aid Society changes the lives of our clients with the help of our generous supporters.