Letitia Ann “Tish” James is widely known as the bold and determined Attorney General of New York. Over the past decade, she has been at the center of several high-profile cases, including her landmark lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and the Trump Organization. Beyond her legal career, there has been much public curiosity about Letitia James’ net worth, lifestyle, and personal background. In this article, we take a close look at what public records reveal, separating facts from speculation.
Quick Facts
| Quick Bio | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Letitia Ann “Tish” James |
| Age | 66 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Parents | Robert and Nellie James |
| Siblings | One of eight children |
| Height | 5 ft 8–10 in (173–178 cm) |
| Weight | 68–76 kg (varies by source) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Never married |
| Net Worth | About $2.7 million (2022 records) |
| Residence | Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NY |
Early Life and Education
Born on October 18, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, Letitia James grew up in a large household. She is one of eight children of her parents, Robert and Nellie James. Her upbringing in Brooklyn strongly influenced her values of hard work, community service, and justice.
James attended public schools in New York City before completing her Bachelor of Arts at Lehman College (CUNY). She later earned her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law in 1989. In 2013, she pursued further education, completing her Master of Public Administration at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).
Career Journey
James began her legal career as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society, representing clients who could not afford private lawyers. She later worked in the New York State Assembly and then as an Assistant Attorney General in Brooklyn, where she handled consumer protection cases.
Her political career took off in 2003 when she was elected to the New York City Council (35th District). She held that position until 2013, focusing on housing, public safety, and community issues. In 2013, she was elected as New York City Public Advocate, becoming the first woman of color to hold a citywide office in NYC.
In 2018, she achieved another historic milestone by being elected the Attorney General of New York, taking office in January 2019. Her tenure has been marked by bold actions against corporate abuses, fraud, and civil rights violations.
Salary and Official Earnings
As Attorney General of New York, Letitia James earns a salary of approximately $220,000 per year. In addition, she has reported income from teaching as an adjunct professor and from her real estate holdings. All of these details are reported through mandatory annual financial disclosures required for state officials.
Her career has always been rooted in public service rather than private sector wealth-building, which makes her financial disclosures particularly important for transparency.
Net Worth Based on Public Records
Declared Net Worth
According to her most recent public financial disclosure statements (2022), Letitia James has an estimated net worth of about $2.7 million. This figure comes directly from official filings, which remain the most reliable source of information about her finances.
Assets
James’ primary assets include real estate holdings. She owns a Brooklyn property with multiple rental units and an investment home in Virginia. These properties together are valued at an estimated $3.4 to $3.7 million.
Liabilities
Her liabilities include mortgages and other debts ranging between $850,000 and $1.3 million. Once liabilities are subtracted, her net worth is calculated at about $2.7 million.
Fact vs. Speculation
Some online sources have claimed James is worth $10–15 million, but these claims lack credible evidence. Independent fact-checkers, such as FactCheck.org, have debunked these inflated figures, confirming that her disclosed wealth is far more modest.
Lifestyle and Residence
Letitia James is not known for a lavish lifestyle. She continues to live in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, staying close to her community roots. Unlike many politicians who flaunt wealth, James lives modestly and is heavily involved in community activities.
She is a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn and is often seen at grassroots events, highlighting her connection to everyday New Yorkers.
Family and Personal Life
James has always kept her personal life relatively private. She has never married and has no children. Her dedication to public service often takes center stage, leaving her personal relationships largely out of the public spotlight.
Her parents, Robert and Nellie, instilled in her the value of service. Growing up with seven siblings in a working-class household gave her a firsthand understanding of challenges faced by ordinary families.
Physical Appearance and Fun Facts
- Age: 66 (as of 2025)
- Height: Reported between 5 ft 8 in to 5 ft 10 in (173–178 cm)
- Weight: Estimated 68–76 kg (varies by source)
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
Fun Facts
- She is the first African American woman elected to statewide office in New York.
- Known for her community presence, she often attends local events and church services.
- She once distributed Valentine’s Day condoms at subway stations during her time as Public Advocate, showcasing her quirky but relatable approach to public service.
Social Media Presence
Letitia James maintains an active online presence:
- Twitter (X): @TishJames
- Instagram: @letitiajamesforny
- Official Website: ag.ny.gov
On social media, she shares updates about her office, legal actions, and community engagements. Her tone reflects her professional yet approachable personality.
Controversies and Scrutiny
Real Estate and Mortgage Investigation
In 2025, James came under scrutiny when federal agencies referred her for a possible criminal investigation regarding mortgage disclosures. Allegations suggested she misrepresented a property as her primary residence and inaccurately reported unit counts in her Brooklyn building. James has denied any wrongdoing, stating the investigations are politically motivated.
Security Clearance Revocation
In 2025, President Trump revoked her security clearance. Her office clarified that this action does not affect her ability to perform her duties as Attorney General.
Trump Litigation
One of her most significant actions as Attorney General was her civil fraud case against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization. In 2024, a judgment found Trump liable for inflating his assets, with fines exceeding $350 million. Although appeals have followed, this case cemented James’ reputation as a fearless litigator.
Separating Fact from Rumors
Speculation about Letitia James’ wealth is common, particularly from political opponents or social media rumors. However, her official disclosures provide clear evidence of her finances. With a net worth of about $2.7 million, her wealth is modest compared to inflated figures often shared online.
The most important takeaway is that her financial profile aligns with her lifelong career in public service, not private-sector enrichment.
Conclusion
Letitia James is more than her net worth. She is a trailblazer in New York politics, the first African American woman to hold statewide office, and a defender of public interest. Her net worth of approximately $2.7 million reflects her years of public service, combined with modest real estate investments.
While critics and rumors often inflate her wealth for political gain, the truth lies in public records. James remains a symbol of accountability, service, and justice in New York her legacy measured less by wealth and more by her relentless pursuit of fairness and equality.
FAQs
What is Letitia James’ real net worth?
Public records show her net worth is about $2.7 million, based on official disclosures.
How much does the New York Attorney General earn?
The salary is around $220,000 per year, plus modest income from teaching and rental property.
Where does Letitia James live?
She resides in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, close to her community roots.
Has Letitia James ever been married?
No, she has never married and does not have children.
Why are there inflated claims about her wealth?
Some social media posts and blogs exaggerate her finances, but fact-checkers confirm $2.7M is accurate.
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