Legal Aid Society’s Tina Luongo honored with LGBTQ+ Bar’s Legal Services Justice Award

Tina Luongo, Chief Attorney of the Criminal Defense Practice of The Legal Aid Society, has been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of justice for low-income, marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities. The honor came in the form of the prestigious Legal Services Justice Award, granted by the LGBTQ+ Bar.

Luongo, who uses they/them pronouns, has dedicated almost 30 years to nonprofits advocating for social justice and has contributed significantly to clients and communities in New York City and beyond. Their impressive career as a public defender began at The Legal Aid Society, where they first served as a staff attorney, then as Supervising Attorney.

In these roles, Luongo not only directly represented clients but also trained and managed teams of attorneys, paralegals, and investigators. They were a key member of the task force that worked with Davis Polk LLP to establish the landmark legislation capping public defenders’ caseloads in New York City, a measure critical to upholding the robust representation required by the U.S. Constitution.

In 2011, Luongo ascended to the role of Deputy Attorney-in-Charge of the Criminal Defense Practice, overseeing daily operations for a staff of over 1200 dedicated professionals. As Chief Attorney, Luongo has championed law reform, policy advocacy, and affirmative litigation. Their leadership has resulted in improved access to medical care for people held at Rikers Island, better treatment for LGBTQIA+ individuals under the NYC Department of Correction’s care, and strengthened transparency and accountability for NYPD officers.

Before joining The Legal Aid Society, Luongo served as Vice President of Operations for the national gang intervention and prevention nonprofit, Council for Unity. There, they oversaw the development, finance, and human resources…