Founded in 1876, it is the oldest and largest provider of legal aid in the United States.

[1] Its attorneys provide representation on criminal and civil matters in both individual cases and class action lawsuits.

[3] 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.

Legal Aid also conducts major class action litigation on behalf of thousands of welfare recipients, foster children, homeless families, elderly poor, inmates at Rikers Island and other prisoners.