From city councilwoman to Attorney General of New York, Letitia Ann “Tish” James has spent her entire career breaking barriers. She’s the first Black woman to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman ever elected as the state’s Attorney General. James has cemented her legacy as a trailblazer in politics and law. Known for her relentless pursuit of justice, she’s taken on some of the most powerful figures and institutions in the country. The list includes winning landmark lawsuits to leading high-profile investigations that have captured national attention. 

Beyond her legal accomplishments, her decades of public service have helped her build a respectable financial profile. With steady government salaries, real estate investments and teaching roles, she faces increased media scrutiny. A recent federal investigation into her personal finances have James’s net worth and financial dealings more in the spotlight than ever before. This is the story behind James’s career that has shaped her financial standing today.

How Did Letitia James Become Famous?

James was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As one of eight siblings, she earned her undergraduate degree from Lehman College and a Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law. James began her career as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society before serving as chief of staff to a state assemblyman. Later, she was an assistant attorney general for Brooklyn under former Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. Her political career took off in 2003 when she won a seat on the New York City Council. She became the first member elected solely on the Working Families Party line.

There, she championed tenant rights, public school reforms and police accountability. In 2013, voters elected James as New York City Public Advocate, making her the first woman of color to hold citywide office. She made history again in 2018 when New Yorkers elected her as Attorney General, the first woman and African American to hold statewide office in New York. Additionally, James gained national prominence through her legal battles against some of the most powerful institutions and individuals in the country. Her investigation and civil lawsuit against the National Rifle Association, along with her headline case against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization, made her a household name.

Where Does Letitia James’ Income Come From?

As of 2025, Letitia James earns an annual salary of around $220,000, according to Daily Express U.S.  However, her income isn’t limited to her state paycheck. She makes extra income from a rental property in Brooklyn, co-owns a home in Virginia and has taught law.

James also gets a pension from her time on the City Council. Altogether, these help make up her estimated million-dollar net worth. Though conservative by celebrity standards, her net worth reflects decades of public service and personal financial responsibility. 

What Is Letitia James’ Net Worth?

Mabumbe estimates Letitia James’ net worth between $1 million and $5 million. Her net worth includes her real estate assets and her state salary and teaching income. Despite recent scrutiny, James has maintained a reputation for living modestly, considering her public profile, and managing her finances with restraint.

Is Letitia James Under Investigation?

As of 2025, James’ real estate transactions are being investigated by the FBI. Authorities say she may have listed the wrong home as her primary residence when applying for mortgages on her properties in Brooklyn and Virginia. According to CNN, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia issued a subpoena on the matter. So far, authorities haven’t charged her with anything, and she maintains that she did nothing wrong.

Her team says she’s fully cooperating with the investigation. The case has drawn a lot of attention because James has spent years holding powerful politicians and big companies accountable for similar issues. Some people believe political motives drive the investigation, while others view it as a fair examination of whether she followed the rules.

James has taken on some huge legal battles during her time as Attorney General. In 2022, she sued Donald Trump and his company for lying about the value of their properties. In 2024, she won the case, and Trump was ordered to pay $450 million. She also filed a major lawsuit against the National Rifle Association for misusing donor money.

In the fight against the opioid crisis, James helped bring over $1.5 billion into New York by holding drug companies accountable. She’s also gone after landlords who mistreat tenants, making sure people in public housing are treated fairly. While none of these cases added to her personal wealth, they’ve made her one of the most powerful and recognizable public figures in the country.

Does Letitia James Own Property?

James owns properties that form the backbone of her net worth. According to the New York Post, she owns a property in Virginia, valued between $800,000 and $1 million. These holdings add to her net worth, alongside modest retirement savings and pension benefits. Unlike celebrities who earn wealth through brand partnerships or luxury real estate flips, James’ property profile reflects practical income planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Letitia James Make per Year? As Attorney General, Letitia James earns around $220,000 annually. She also receives rental income and has served as a law professor.

Did Letitia James Prosecute Donald Trump? Yes. In 2022, she filed a civil lawsuit against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization for financial fraud. The case ended with a $450 million judgment in 2024.

What Political Party Is Letitia James? Letitia James is a Democrat. She also has a long-standing affiliation with the progressive Working Families Party in New York.