Committed to Justice for Every New Yorker
We protect and defend the rights of everyday New Yorkers who need legal support, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or how they identify. Our work keeps families and communities together, and in many cases, saves lives.
Representing All of New York
What We Do
The Legal Aid Society works throughout New York City to ensure everyone has access to justice. Our expert teams work across practice areas on nearly every area of law that impacts New Yorkers.
Advancing LGBTQ+ Rights
We defend LBGTQ+ community members from abuse and discrimination in housing, criminal/juvenile justice, foster care, health care, and educational systems with litigation, education, and policy.
Advocating for Financial Rights & Assisting Entrepreneurs
We advocate for the financial rights of New Yorkers in three distinct, yet interrelated, legal fields: consumer law and debt collection, tax law, and business development/job creation.
Defending the Accused & Incarcerated
We defend clients in trial, appellate, and post-conviction matters. We seek to reform systems of incarceration.
Empowering People with Disability & Health Issues
We provide legal assistance on a range of health care, disability rights, and discrimination issues.
Engaging & Investing in Communities
We provide representation, education, advocacy, and other support to foster grassroots community development.
Fighting for Racial Equity
We fight for racial justice in the courts and in our communities through outreach, education, and legal representation.
Lifting the Voices of Children & Adolescents
We represent children and youth in family court, provide appellate and educational advocacy, assist with divorce and domestic violence cases, and pursue system-wide reform.
Preventing Homelessness & Saving Homes
We provide critical legal services to homeless families and individuals in New York and work to prevent homelessness and displacement by ensuring access to affordable housing.
Pursuing Justice for Juveniles
We defend children and youth in juvenile delinquency, PINS, and criminal cases, including appellate and post-disposition advocacy.
Reforming Law & Policy
We work to effect systemic changes through class action litigation, legislative reform, and policy advocacy.
Standing with Immigrants
We promote family reunification and stability through citywide immigration legal services.
Supporting Survivors of Violence & Navigating Divorce
We provide crucial legal services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking throughout the city.
Upholding Workers' Rights
We provide representation, legal assistance, and education to low-wage and unemployed workers who have experienced violations of the employment laws or who are seeking unemployment insurance benefits.
I still—after thirty years—love going to court. I love fighting the fight and representing people who are wrongfully accused. There’s nothing better than that.