The Legal Aid Society was founded in 1876 in New York to defend the individual rights of
German immigrants who could not afford to hire a lawyer. A large donation from the
Rockefeller Family in 1890 enabled the organization to expand its services and include individuals from every background. The society is governed by a board of directors. On December 2, 2010, Richard J. Davis was elected chairman of the board.
Presidents • Alan Levine, president 2019 to present • Blaine V. (Fin) Fogg, president from 2009 to 2019. •
Alexander Forger, president from 1977 to 1979. •
Charles Evans Hughes, third president beginning 1916. •
Arthur von Briesen, second president from 1890 to 1916.
Attorneys-in-Chief • Twyla Carter, beginning August 1, 2022. Carter is the first Black woman and first Asian-American to lead the organization. • Janet Sabel, January 2, 2019, to June 1, 2022. • Seymour W. James, Jr., July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2018. • Steven Banks, 2004 to March 31, 2014. • Daniel L. Greenberg, 1994 to 2004. •
Archibald R. Murray, 1975 to 1994. •
Cornelius Porter Kitchel, 1905 to 1906. He was the sixth attorney-in-chief. •
Charles K. Lexow, beginning 1876. He was the first attorney-in-chief. ==Services==