50 Facts About Letitia James

Early Life and Education

Letitia James, often called Tish, has a background that shaped her into a formidable public servant. Her journey began in Brooklyn, New York.

1. Birth and Early Life: Letitia Ann James was born on October 18, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, to Nellie and Robert James. She is one of eight children.

2. Education: James attended New York City public schools and graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

3. College Education: She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehman College in 1981, majoring in liberal arts with an emphasis in social work.

4. Law School: James earned her Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. in 1987.

5. Admission to Practice Law: She was admitted to practice law in New York State in 1989.

Early Career and Advocacy

James started her career with a focus on public service and advocacy, laying the groundwork for her future roles.

6. Career Beginnings: James began her career as a public defender at the Legal Aid Society, where she worked to provide legal services to those in need.

7. Urban Network: She established the Urban Network, a coalition of African-American professional organizations aimed at providing scholarships for inner-city youth.

8. Task Force on Diversity: James served on former New York Governor Mario Cuomo's Task Force on Diversity in the Judiciary.

9. State Assembly Staff: She worked as counsel for Albert Vann, Chief of Staff for Roger L. Green in the New York State Assembly, and in the administration of New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

10. Assistant Attorney General: In 1999, James was appointed the first Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Brooklyn regional office.

City Council Achievements

James' tenure in the New York City Council was marked by significant legislative achievements and advocacy for her constituents.

11. City Council Tenure: James served as a member of the New York City Council from 2004 to 2013, representing the 35th district which includes Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, parts of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Bedford–Stuyvesant.

12. Committee Roles: During her tenure in the City Council, James chaired the committees on economic development and sanitation and served on several others.

13. Safe Housing Act: She passed the Safe Housing Act, legislation that forced landlords to improve living conditions for tenants in New York City’s worst buildings.

14. CityTime Scandal: James helped uncover the corruption behind the Office of Payroll Administration’s CityTime contract, a scheme that cost New York City over $600 million.

15. Recycling Initiatives: She pushed through a revolutionary recycling package that included expanding plastic recycling, a new clothing and textile recycling program, and increased access to recycling in public spaces.

Public Advocate Role

As Public Advocate, James tackled numerous issues, from tenant protection to gender wage gaps, making her mark on New York City.

16. Public Advocate: In 2013, James was elected Public Advocate for the City of New York, becoming the first woman of color to hold citywide office in New York City.

17. Constituent Complaints: Her office handled over 32,000 constituent complaints during her tenure as Public Advocate.

18. Legislative Achievements: James passed more legislation than all previous Public Advocates combined, including a groundbreaking law that banned questions about salary history from the employment process to address the pervasive gender wage gap.

19. Gun Industry Divestment: She successfully pushed New York City’s largest pension fund to divest from gun and ammunition retailers.

20. Children and Families Advocacy: James fought in court on behalf of children and families on issues including children in foster care, children with disabilities, and tenant protection.

Attorney General of New York

James' role as Attorney General has been marked by high-profile cases and significant legal victories.

21. Statewide Office: In 2018, James won the election to become the 67th Attorney General of New York, making her the first African American and first woman to be elected to this position.

22. Opioid Settlements: As Attorney General, she secured more than $7.5 billion for New York from those who broke state laws, including over $2.5 billion from opioid manufacturers and distributors for their roles in the opioid epidemic.

23. Gun Removal: Under her leadership, the Office of the New York State Attorney General helped remove more than 4,000 guns from New York communities.

24. Drug Trafficking: The office took down dozens of dangerous drug and gun trafficking rings throughout the state.

25. Ghost Guns: James took legal action to stop the proliferation of ghost guns.

Fighting for Justice

James has consistently fought for justice, taking on powerful entities and advocating for vulnerable populations.

26. Predatory Landlords: She took on predatory landlords who harassed tenants and endangered children by violating New York’s lead paint laws.

27. Environmental Protection: James protected New Yorkers’ health and the state’s natural resources by going after polluters and companies that flouted environmental protection laws.

28. Reproductive Health Care: She has been a national leader in the fight to defend access to reproductive health care, leading dozens of legal actions across the country to protect and expand access to this lifesaving care.

29. Corruption and Workplace Protection: James stood up against corruption and took strong action against officials who broke New York laws or workplace protection measures, regardless of their status or political affiliation.

30. Master of Public Administration: As of 2013, James was enrolled at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan, working towards a Master of Public Administration degree.

Breaking Barriers

James has broken numerous barriers in her career, setting precedents and paving the way for future generations.

31. First Woman of Color in Statewide Office: James is the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York.

32. First Woman Elected Attorney General: She is also the first woman to be elected Attorney General of New York.

33. Working Families Party: James is the first member of the Working Families Party to win office in New York State and the first third-party member to be elected to the city council since 1977.

34. Democratic Party Affiliation: She has since changed back to the Democratic party.

Election Victories

James' election victories highlight her popularity and the trust New Yorkers place in her leadership.

35. Election Wins: James won the Democratic primary for Public Advocate in 2013 despite her campaign fundraising trailing Daniel Squadron's and Reshma Saujani's. She was endorsed by third-place finisher Saujani in September and won the Democratic runoff election.

36. General Election Victory: Without a Republican opponent, James won the general election with over 83% of the vote in 2013.

37. Reelection as Public Advocate: In 2017, James won the Democratic primary for her position with 77% of the vote, over closest competitor David Eisenbach’s 23%.

High-Profile Legal Battles

James has taken on high-profile legal battles, including a notable case against former President Donald Trump.

38. Civil Fraud Case Against Donald Trump: In 2022, James initiated a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, alleging civil fraud. The case involves claims that Trump misrepresented his financial status for years on documents provided to banks, insurers, and other entities to facilitate transactions and secure loans.

39. Penalties and Appeals: Judge Arthur Engoron determined that Trump and associates of The Trump Organization were culpable for deceiving lenders and insurance firms, mandating over $350 million in penalties, which have now escalated to more than $489 million due to accruing interest. Trump's legal team has appealed the decision to New York's intermediate appellate court, contending that the penalties are excessively harsh and claiming that some of the accusations against Trump fall outside the statute of limitations.

40. Legal Analyst Criticism: Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University and a supporter of Trump, has criticized James' handling of the case, suggesting that she might be "losing the war" in this civil fraud matter. Turley noted that some justices in the New York appeals court expressed skepticism about the severity of the judgment and argued that James is more focused on her political audience than on the appellate judges.

41. Trump's Response: Former President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on New York Attorney General Letitia James via his social media platform, labeling her a "total disaster." He criticized the nearly $500 million civil fraud ruling, suggesting it was discouraging businesses from investing in New York and causing unprecedented adverse effects on the state and employment.

42. Federal Judge’s Ruling: Recently, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing James from acting against anti-abortion groups and pregnancy counseling centers over their promotion of an unverified method to reverse medication abortions. The judge ruled that such actions would infringe upon protected free speech.

43. Political Motivation: Turley argued that James has transformed the New York legal system into a series of politically motivated actions, suggesting that some judges may be losing interest in such cases. He emphasized that James is aware of her audience and does not include appellate judges, stating that she has no concern if she breaches the Constitution or mistreats her adversaries.

44. Deputy Solicitor General’s Response: Judith Vale, Deputy New York Solicitor General, acknowledged the substantial fine but emphasized that it reflects the significant fraud and illegality involved. She argued that the transactions must be related to business and have a capacity to deceive, particularly when hidden risks can harm the market and honest participants.

45. Appellate Court’s Decision: The New York appellate court is anticipated to deliver its ruling on Trump’s case within a month. The outcome could potentially escalate the case to the state’s highest court.

Ongoing Legal Issues

James continues to navigate complex legal landscapes, with ongoing cases that keep her in the public eye.

46. Ongoing Legal Issues: This fraud lawsuit is among several ongoing legal issues facing Trump as he campaigns for a second presidential term. In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records, while he maintains his innocence and awaits sentencing.

Legacy and Impact

James' legacy extends beyond her legal victories and political achievements, making her a respected figure in both New York State and national politics.

47. Legacy and Impact: Letitia James’ legacy extends beyond her legal victories and political achievements. She has been a champion for vulnerable populations, advocating for their rights and protections in various capacities throughout her career. Her commitment to justice and public service has made her a respected figure in both New York State and national politics.

48. Commitment to Justice: James’ dedication to justice and public service has made her a powerful advocate for justice and equality. Her ongoing legal battles, particularly against high-profile figures like Donald Trump, continue to shape the legal landscape of New York State and beyond.

49. Future Prospects: As she continues to serve as Attorney General, her impact on the lives of New Yorkers and the nation at large will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

50. Inspiration: Letitia James serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that dedication, hard work, and a commitment to justice can lead to significant change and progress.

Letitia James: A Force for Change

Letitia James has made a significant impact in New York and beyond. From her early days as a public defender to becoming the first African American and first woman elected as New York's Attorney General, her journey is inspiring. She’s tackled issues like predatory lending, gun violence, and environmental protection. James has also been a fierce advocate for reproductive health care and tenant rights. Her legal battles, including the high-profile case against Donald Trump, show her commitment to justice. James' work has secured billions for New Yorkers and removed thousands of illegal guns from communities. Her legacy is one of relentless advocacy and groundbreaking achievements. As she continues her work, James remains a powerful voice for the vulnerable and a champion for justice. Her story is far from over, and her influence will be felt for years to come.