Early Life and Education

James was raised in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn as one of eight children. She attended New York City public schools and graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge. In 1981, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts with an emphasis in social work from the City University of New York’s Lehman College. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1987 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1989.

Legal and Political Career

James began her career as a public defender at the Legal Aid Society. She later served on New York Governor Mario Cuomo’s Task Force on Diversity in the Judiciary and was appointed the first Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Brooklyn regional office in 1999, focusing on consumer complaints and predatory lending.

In 2003, James was elected to the New York City Council, representing the 35th district, which includes neighborhoods such as Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, and parts of Crown Heights. She was the first member of the Working Families Party to hold office in New York State and served on the City Council until 2013. During her tenure, she chaired committees on Economic Development and Sanitation.

in 2013, James was elected as the New York City Public Advocate, becoming the first African American woman to hold citywide office in New York City. She served in this role until 2018, advocating for increased governmental accountability and transparency

Attorney General of New York

In 2018, James was elected as the Attorney General of New York, making history as the first African American and first woman elected to the position. As Attorney General, she serves as the state’s chief legal officer, overseeing legal affairs and upholding the rights of New Yorkers.

Personal Life

James resides in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn and is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She has never married. In May 2022, she publicly shared her personal experience of having an abortion during her early tenure as a City Council member, emphasizing her commitment to reproductive rights.

Throughout her career, Letitia James has been recognized as a fearless and principled leader, dedicated to justice and equality. Her journey reflects her unwavering commitment to dismantling barriers and advocating for a more inclusive society.