Letitia James: New York AG’s Financial Standing in 2024
Letitia “Tish” James is a groundbreaking figure in New York politics and law enforcement. As the first woman and African American elected New York State Attorney General, James has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for civil rights, consumer protections, and government accountability.
From her roots in Brooklyn to her current role, which involves taking on powerful interests, James has dedicated her career to public service and fighting for the underdog.
Her historic tenure as Attorney General has put her in the national spotlight, particularly for high-profile investigations and lawsuits involving former President Donald Trump and the National Rifle Association. Known for her tenacity and commitment to justice, Letitia James continues to make waves as one of the most influential legal figures in the country.
Who is Letitia James?
Letitia Ann James was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 18, 1958. She grew up in Park Slope as one of eight children in a working-class family. James was instilled with a strong sense of community and public service from a young age. She attended New York City public schools and graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge.
James earned her bachelor’s degree from Lehman College, part of the City University of New York system, in 1981. She majored in liberal arts with a focus on social work. After college, James pursued her law degree at Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1986.
Upon passing the New York State Bar in 1989, James began her legal career as a public defender for the Legal Aid Society. She then worked as a New York State Assembly staffer and Assistant Attorney General for New York. These early experiences in public service and advocacy for marginalized communities helped shape James’ future political career.
In 2003, James won a special election to represent Brooklyn’s 35th District in the New York City Council. She made history as the first candidate elected to New York City office solely on the Working Families Party line. James served on the City Council for a decade, chairing the Contracts Committee and advocating for affordable housing and workers’ rights.
In 2013, James was elected as New York City Public Advocate, becoming the first woman of color to hold citywide office. As a Public Advocate, she was a watchdog over city agencies and introduced legislation to create a public database of landlords who harassed tenants.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Letitia Ann James |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1958 |
| Age | 65 years old |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree from Lehman College (1981) |
| J.D. from Howard University School of Law (1986) | |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Residence | Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York |
| Religion | Attends Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn |
James’ most significant political breakthrough came in 2018 when she was elected New York State Attorney General. This historic victory made her the first woman and African American to hold the position. As Attorney General, James has taken on high-profile cases against powerful entities like the Trump Organization, the NRA, and large corporations accused of fraud or consumer abuses.
Personal Life and Relationships
Letitia James is not married and keeps her personal life relatively private. She has lived in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn for many years. James is known to be very close to her extended family, including her many siblings, nieces, and nephews.
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While James does not have children of her own, she has spoken about how her role as an aunt has influenced her commitment to public service and creating a better future for young people. She is also actively involved in her community, attending Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
In May 2022, James publicly revealed that she had an abortion early in her tenure on the New York City Council. She spoke about this personal experience at a rally for abortion rights, stating that she had “walked proudly into Planned Parenthood” and made “no apologies to anyone” for her decision. James said she chose to share her story to emphasize the importance of reproductive rights and access to abortion care.
Professional Career and Achievements
Letitia James has had a long and distinguished career in public service spanning over three decades. Some key highlights of her professional journey include:
- Serving as a public defender for the Legal Aid Society after law school
- Working as counsel for New York State Assembly members
- Appointed as Assistant Attorney General for New York’s Brooklyn Regional Office in 1999
- Elected to New York City Council in 2003, serving until 2013
- Elected as New York City Public Advocate in 2013, the first woman of color to hold citywide office
- Won election as New York State Attorney General in 2018
As Attorney General, James has taken on several high-profile cases and investigations that have garnered national attention. Some of her most notable actions include:
- Filing a civil lawsuit against the Trump Organization for alleged financial fraud
- Investigating the National Rifle Association (NRA) for financial misconduct
- Securing a $1.1 billion settlement with opioid distributors over their role in the addiction crisis
- Leading a multi-state antitrust lawsuit against Facebook
- Investigating nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic
James briefly ran for New York governor in 2022 before withdrawing to run for re-election as Attorney General. She won a second term in November 2022.
James hasreceivedh numerous awards and honors for her public service and advocacy work. In 2020, she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people.
Age and Physical Characteristics
Letitia James was born on October 18, 1958, making her 65. She stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). James is sturdy and typically wears her hair in a short, natural style. She is known for her warm smile and commanding presence, often wearing professional attire like blazers and suits in her role as Attorney General.
Net Worth and Salary
As a long-time public servant, Letitia James’ net worth is estimated to be between $1 and 5 million. Her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. As New York State Attorney General, James earns an annual salary of $220,000.
Before becoming Attorney General, James earned $184,800 per year as a New York City Public Advocate. Her salary history in public office is a matter of public record, showing steady increases as she has taken on roles with greater responsibility.
James has stated that she comes from humble beginnings and worked through college and law school. Her assets likely include real estate, retirement accounts, and investments accrued over her legal and political career.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated between $1-5 million |
| Annual Salary | $220,000 as New York State Attorney General |
| Previous Salary | $184,800 as New York City Public Advocate |
| Investments/Assets | Real estate, retirement accounts, and modest stock holdings |
Company Details and Investments
As a public official, Letitia James does not own or operate any private companies. Her professional focus has been entirely on government and public service roles.
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James is required to disclose her financial interests as a state official. These disclosures have not shown any significant private business holdings or major investments beyond typical retirement accounts and modest stock holdings.
There is no public information about James’s ownership of any significant real estate investments beyond her residence in Brooklyn. However, as Attorney General, she has been vocal about investigating real estate fraud and tenant rights issues in New York.
Investment and Funding
Letitia James’ campaigns have been funded through small individual donations and support from labor unions and progressive organizations. As a candidate, she has emphasized her independence from corporate interests.
In her 2022 re-election campaign for Attorney General, James raised over $3 million, with the majority coming from individual donors. She has sworn off taking corporate donations and instead relies on grassroots fundraising.
As a public official, James does not engage in private investment activities. Her office as Attorney General oversees a staff of hundreds and manages litigation on behalf of New York State, but this involves public funds rather than private investments.
Contact Details and Social Media Presence
Letitia James maintains an active presence on social media to communicate with constituents. Her official accounts include:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341 |
| Phone | (800) 771-7755 (General), (212) 416-8060 (Press) |
| @TishJames | |
| @NewYorkStateAG | |
| @tishjames |
James does not publicize any personal contact information. All official communication goes through her government office or campaign organizations.
Conclusion
Letitia James has risen from her working-class roots in Brooklyn to become one of the most powerful and influential legal figures in the United States. As New York’s first female and African American Attorney General, she has taken on significant investigations and lawsuits that have put her in the national spotlight.
Known for her tenacity and commitment to justice, James continues to make headlines for her legal battles against former President Trump, the NRA, and other powerful interests.
While her aggressive approach has drawn criticism from some quarters, James remains a trailblazing figure who has opened doors for women and people of color in law and politics. As she serves her second term as Attorney General, Letitia James’ actions will likely continue to shape the legal and political landscape beyond New York.