Justice for All: 150 Years of Legal Aid in New York
Event Details:
For 150 years, The Legal Aid Society has shaped New York City, touching the lives of countless residents—from immigrants navigating a new country, to families seeking housing, to individuals confronting the criminal justice system. This panel brings together legal historians and practitioners to trace the evolution of Legal Aid, exploring the people, policies, and landmark cases that have defined access to justice in the city. Drawing on archival records, case histories, and personal stories, the discussion illuminates how Legal Aid has transformed both individual lives and the broader social and political landscape of New York.
Steven Banks is a public interest social justice attorney and the former attorney-in-chief of The Legal Aid Society. Twyla Carter is the current attorney-in-chief and chief executive officer of Legal Aid. Bekah Friedman is a historian and expert on Legal Aid. Alexis Hoag-Fordjour (moderator) is the David Dinkins ‘56 Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Center for Criminal Justice at Brooklyn Law School.
Sponsored by White & Case LLP
Location:
The Robert H. Smith Auditorium at The New York Historical, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
Ticket Instructions:
By phone: Contact our call center at (212) 485-9268 from 9 am – 5 pm daily.
Online: Click on the button above.
In person: Purchase tickets on site at the admissions desk during Museum hours.
Chair's Council: Chair's Council members may request complimentary tickets. To learn more, email chairscouncil@nyhistory.org.
Members: Sign in with your Member login on the next page to receive your discount. If you need a login or have any questions, contact the call center at (212) 485-9268 or call.center@nyhistory.org.
Advance registration is required to guarantee seating. All sales are final; refunds and exchanges are not permitted. Programs and dates are subject to change. Management reserves the right to refuse admission to latecomers. Program tickets do not include Museum admission unless otherwise noted.
For any questions, please email public.programs@nyhistory.org.


