As federal leadership continues to retreat from long-standing norms of governance, GSG’s latest Inside Scoop featured a timely conversation with New York Attorney General Letitia James on the role states must play to protect residents, uphold the Constitution, and maintain public trust.
Moderated by GSG Partner Justin Lapatine, the discussion centered on what Attorney General James described as a rapidly shifting federal landscape— marked by frequently issued executive orders, weakened consumer protections, and actions that disproportionately target marginalized communities. In response, she emphasized the importance of “dual sovereignty” and the responsibility of state governments to step forward when federal institutions fall short.
A significant portion of the conversation focused on immigration and civil rights. Attorney General James described how her office is pushing back against unconstitutional federal overreach, including improper data requests and the use of federal military forces in civilian enforcement. She emphasized that New York’s law enforcement institutions are fully capable of protecting public safety, while stressing that such military involvement raises serious constitutional concerns. James also highlighted ongoing partnerships with community coalitions, faith leaders, and state agencies to protect immigrants and other marginalized communities.
Attorney General James also addressed the affordability crisis facing New Yorkers, from housing and childcare costs to corporate consolidation and the erosion of consumer protections. With homeownership is increasingly out of reach for working families, she outlined opportunities to expand affordable housing, such as redeveloping underutilized sites, while cracking down on predatory practices like deed theft in gentrifying neighborhoods.
Looking ahead, James emphasized the need to strengthen state laws across a wide range of issues, including civil and reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, environmental safeguards, and emerging technologies like AI and crypto. Despite fiscal and political challenges, she closed with a message of resolve, reaffirming her commitment to using the law as a shield to defend New Yorkers—and pointing to growing civic engagement as a source of optimism for what comes next.