ABOUT ME

Leah Goodridge at 16 years old standing on the terrace of the apartment where she grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn 
MY STORY

I grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn, looking out the terrace and dreaming of helping my neighbors. When I grew older…I did just that.

The most exciting part of my work is traveling around the world to teach and write. I was selected as a Fulbright Specialist in Malta, where I taught social entrepreneurship. I led a talk on housing policy at McGill University in Canada. In 2022, I published the influential law review article "Professionalism as a Racial Construct" and have led several keynotes about it, including one at Stanford Law School, which hosted a conference on its impact.

I graduated from Vassar College and UCLA School of Law. After law school, I spent 12 years as a tenants’ rights attorney, handling every issue you can think of—eviction, no-pet leases, repairs, roommate disputes. The mayor appointed me to serve on the largest rent control board in the country (the NYC Rent Guidelines Board). Then in 2021, I was appointed as a Commissioner to the NYC Planning Commission, where I advocate for affordable housing.

IMPACT

I don’t just talk housing policy. I create it.

Successfully advocated for 2 citywide rent freezes

Testified before U.S. Congress and the New York City Council

Trained 50 Housing Court judges on fostering an inclusive courtroom

Legally represented 400+ tenants in court

A Fun Tidbit About Me

At the age of 22, I packed my suitcase and traveled to the Dominican Republic where I launched a girls’ empowerment nonprofit. I didn’t know anyone there and my Spanish was intermediate, but I was excited for the adventure! Over the course of a year, I mentored a group of teen girls on sex education, careers, and self-esteem. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life!

Leah Goodridge, Esq. Leah Goodridge is a distinguished tenants' rights attorney with over ten years of experience combating gentrification and displacement in NY courts. She has successfully advocated for rent freezes for 2 million tenants. NLIHC

Awards & Recognition

Firestarter Award
New York City Bar Association

Public Service Award
New York County Lawyers Association

Proclamation
NYC Public Advocate

Rising Star Award
New York Nonprofit Media

Jane Jacobs Award
Met Council on Housing

Fulbright Specialist Award
U.S. Department of State

Scholarship
Leopold Schepp Foundation

Wirsig Memorial Journalism Prize
Vassar College

Let's create together

Let's create together