The Legal Aid Society

The Legal Aid Society, for the first time in its nearly 150-year history, is proud to announce its inclusion in Newsweek’s esteemed Excellence 1000 Index 2025. 🎉 Out of more than 25,000 companies reviewed, Newsweek recognized the top 1,000 for this achievement. Legal Aid ranked 785th with a score of 4.1 out of 5, distinguishing itself as one of 11 law firms named to the list and the only nonprofit law firm.    This recognition highlights organizations making outstanding contributions in their respective fields and underscores Legal Aid’s enduring commitment to providing high-quality legal representation to New York City’s most vulnerable residents.    The Excellence 1000 Index 2025, compiled by Newsweek in collaboration with leading research partners, evaluates organizations across industries for their innovation, social impact, and operational excellence. Legal Aid’s inclusion reaffirms its pivotal role as a champion of justice, equity, and systemic change.    “We are honored to be named to Newsweek’s Excellence1000 Index 2025,” said Twyla Carter, Attorney-In-Chief and Chief Executive Officer at The Legal Aid Society. “This distinction is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that every New Yorker, especially those from low-income communities of color, has access to justice. It also reflects our ongoing efforts to address systemic inequities and advocate for policies that uplift the communities we serve.”    This recognition comes on the heels of several critical victories for Legal Aid, which include securing a contempt finding against the City for failing to improve conditions at Rikers Island; successfully defending the New York Rent Stabilization Law against landlord challenges; advancing policy priorities with Governor Kathy Hochul enacting important legislation championed by Legal Aid; and receiving a historic $8 million donation from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation. Here’s to a bright future! 🚀 Check out the full list here: https://lnkd.in/eYzvjUGf

Last Friday, The Legal Aid Society celebrated our 41st Annual Children & Families Holiday Party at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Harlem! Over 300 children of low-income New Yorkers, including families experiencing homelessness and those with incarcerated caregivers, were treated to a day filled with holiday magic and joy. The celebration featured festive face-painting, arts and crafts, a lively interactive drumming performance by Amos Gabia, and tables overflowing with generous donations of toys, gift cards, and delicious treats. From dancing to creating art, there was no shortage of smiles or holiday cheer for these kids.  This unforgettable day would not have been possible without the generosity and spirit of our dedicated volunteers, supporters, and staff. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners who made this event possible: 501SEE Photography, Ashurst LLP, BNY, Bolton Partners, Cooley LLP, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP, HSBC, Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, JPMorganChase., Kelly Kronenberg LLP, Morgan Stanley, New York Life Insurance Company Co., Penguin Random House, Rower LLC, Sugar Hill Creamery, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, Terry Kim, Visa USA, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and Winston & Strawn LLP. Together, we created a day to remember—filled with joy, laughter, and community love. #LegalAidNYC #HolidayCheer #SeasonOfGiving #CommunityLove 

Thank you to MacKenzie Scott for recognizing the hard work of The Legal Aid Society’s team of nearly 2,300 attorneys, social workers, paralegals, mitigation specialists, investigators, administrative staff, and interns, in support of the people we serve. This generous gift will enable us to make much-needed one-time investments in our organization’s infrastructure to help those who need us most. #publicdefense #civillegalaid #philanthropy

New York’s Clean Slate law is here! On November 16th, 2024, the groundbreaking law began what will be a lengthy process of sealing more than two million criminal conviction records, unlocking access to jobs, housing, and education for countless New Yorkers who want to confidently move forward in their lives. Staff Attorney Emma Goodman joins Legal Aid Talks to break down what folks can expect from Clean Slate, and how The Legal Aid Society's Case Closed Project can assist those who need help navigating their way through the state's record sealing process. Visit https://lnkd.in/e4gX2GYQ to learn more about The Case Closed Project.

On December 5th and 6th, 2024, The Legal Aid Society hosted "𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀: 𝗧𝗼 𝗘𝗿𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀…𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻" - a two-day conference examining human factors, subjectivity, and error in forensic science. Attendees engaged with pressing topics, including the limitations in forensic DNA validation, and insights from the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s landmark report on human factors in forensic DNA. The event brought together experts and advocates whose work pushes at the boundaries of justice and accountability in forensic science. A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Tamara Giwa, Executive Director of the Federal Defenders of New York. Tamara’s inspiring speech drew from her extensive experience in DNA advocacy and combating systemic inequality in the legal system. Another moment of pride was honoring Shreya Rastogi with the 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘔𝘶𝘬𝘰𝘳𝘰 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘺. Shreya’s groundbreaking work in India’s forensic and criminal justice systems has set a global standard for advocacy for accountability and fairness. Magnus’ widow and daughter were in attendance to honor the presentation of the award. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who participated, presented, and supported this important event. Together, we are reimagining the future of forensic science in pursuit of true justice.

Legal Aid congratulates our Attorney-in-Chief and CEO Twyla Carter for being named on this year’s PoliticsNY & amNY Nonprofit Power Players list! The leaders highlighted on this year’s list are the driving forces behind a variety of programs and initiatives improving the lives of New Yorkers from all walks of life. Focusing on important issues such as education access, race and gender equity, affordable housing, food insecurity and more the 2024 Nonprofit Power Players are vital leaders in the fight for a better New York for all. During Twyla’s tenure, Legal Aid’s attorneys and staff have worked tirelessly to defend New York City’s Right to Shelter and to protect incarcerated New Yorkers from the deplorable conditions on Rikers Island. They have obtained important victories, from securing social security benefits for a child in foster care to championing legislation that will automatically seal certain conviction records, ending the perpetual punishment for many deserving New Yorkers.  Since day one, Carter has worked relentlessly since joining the organization to improve contract procurement and payments and securing additional funding to significantly increase baseline salaries for all staff. When asked how policymakers could support organizations like Legal Aid, Carter elaborated. “Too often, organizations like ours are overshadowed by other legal system actors, namely the police and prosecutors. This has led to chronic underfunding, jeopardizing the legal services low-income New Yorkers are constitutionally and legally entitled to receive,” she said. “Policymakers must ensure that organizations like The Legal Aid Society are fully funded so that our most vulnerable neighbors have access to robust legal representation in their times of need.” Congratulations to Twyla! Read the full list: https://lnkd.in/eHjMsU7z #powerlist #amnypp #politicsnypp

Today, Adriene Holder - Chief Attorney of Legal Aid's Civil Practice - joined New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams at a press conference celebrating a $5 billion increase in the City's housing budget under the City For All housing plan. This timely investment marks a significant stride toward addressing New York City’s housing crisis and ensuring every New Yorker has access to stable and affordable housing. "This additional funding is more than an investment, it's a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers," Adriene said at the press conference. "It will help more families break free from the vicious cycle of eviction, homelessness, and poverty, and secure the stability of permanent housing." With additional support for the CityFHEPS voucher program and the restoration of $7.6 million for the Anti-Harassment Tenant Protection program, this plan promises to empower tenants, hold landlords accountable, and preserve the dignity and safety of every home across the five boroughs. The Legal Aid Society commends the leadership of Speaker Adams and the City Council's unwavering commitment to creating a housing system that supports working and middle-class New Yorkers. Our defenders witness firsthand the life-changing impact of these programs, and we remain committed to advocating for housing justice alongside our clients and communities. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable New York City. #HousingJustice #CityForAll #LegalAidNYC

Since 1876, we’ve helped millions of low-income New Yorkers get access to justice. Last year alone, we helped over 480,000 New Yorkers across all five boroughs. You see, we’re not new to this, we are true to this. No matter the challenges our city has faced throughout history, we have remained firm in our mission, providing free legal services, advocacy, and community empowerment in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. And we’re not going anywhere. But we need your help. This Giving Tuesday, help defend NYC by making a donation to The Legal Aid Society. Your contribution will ensure that low-income New Yorkers get a fair chance at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, allowing our boroughs—and our democracy—to thrive. Do your part, make a donation today: https://lnkd.in/e4K8sSF3

Bring Joy This Holiday Season! The holidays are a time of giving and togetherness, and we need your help to make them extra special for the children and families we serve.   The Legal Aid Society's 41st Annual Children and Families Holiday Party is just around the corner, and with your generosity, we can bring smiles to hundreds of children in our community.   Here’s how you can help: ➡️ Donate to support the event: Your contribution helps us provide an unforgettable day filled with festive fun, laughter, and joy. ➡️ Shop our Amazon Wishlist: Purchase toys and gifts that will go directly to the children we serve.   Make a difference today! Visit the event page to donate or view the Wishlist: https://lnkd.in/eBpTY-eh

VICTORY! Legal Aid secures a contempt ruling against the Department of Correction for failing to address unchecked brutality in City jails. We laud this ruling, which will finally create a pathway to fix the systemic issues that jeopardize lives. More: https://lnkd.in/ehQRt7pt...