About The Legal Aid Society
The Legal Aid Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in New York City that provides free legal help to people living at or below the poverty level. Founded on March 8, 1876, it describes its purpose as ensuring that no New Yorker is denied equal justice. Its lawyers handle criminal and civil matters, including individual cases and class action lawsuits. Its work covers criminal trials, parole revocation and appeals, juvenile justice and child protection cases, and civil problems such as housing and immigration. Beyond courtroom work, the organization runs free helplines and "know your rights" trainings and partners with community groups.
The organization arranges its work into more than 40 units and practice areas, including immigration, public benefits, and education, and it provides legal assistance in New York City housing courts. It also pursues legislative and policy advocacy, and it reports that over two million New Yorkers benefit each year from its direct representation, litigation, and advocacy. In New York State, its offices are located in the five boroughs, with a headquarters at 199 Water Street in New York, NY, and a neighborhood office in the Bronx.
| Type | Nonprofit legal services |
|---|---|
| New York offices | New York, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island |
| Phone | 212-577-3300 |
| Website | legalaidnyc.org |
| Registered NY attorneys | 1,254 |
Practice areas
Areas of work that The Legal Aid Society describes on its own website. They describe the organization as a whole, not the practice of any individual attorney listed below.
Organization profile based on its official website and public sources (reviewed October 29, 2026). Attorney list from the New York State Unified Court System registration data. Not affiliated with The Legal Aid Society.
Registered attorneys
Emily Kitay Currently registered Irwin Shaw Currently registered Robert Newman Currently registered Adrienne Hale Currently registered Lois White Delinquent Ellyn Kessler Currently registered Burt Grayman Suspended Steven Levine Currently registered John Ryan Delinquent Allen Farbman Currently registeredRegistration status can change at any time. Confirm any attorney's current status through the official New York Attorney Search.