Brooklyn, NY — Access Justice Brooklyn (AJB) is pleased to welcome Ziedah Diata as its new Director of Pro Bono, bringing more than two decades of experience advancing access to justice, building cross-sector partnerships, and expanding legal services for underserved communities.
In her new role, Ziedah will oversee AJB’s pro bono and volunteer program, strengthening and expanding its network of volunteer attorneys, law firms, corporate legal departments, financial services professionals, and other mission-aligned partners. She will lead efforts to recruit, engage, train, and support volunteers across AJB’s practice areas while developing new opportunities for professionals to contribute their skills in service of Brooklyn communities.
Ziedah joins AJB following her service as Chief Administrative Law Judge and Director of the New York State Department of State’s Office of Administrative Hearings, where she led a statewide administrative tribunal. She also launched the Department’s first Access to Justice Initiative, developing partnerships with volunteer attorney programs, legal services organizations, and law school clinics to connect low-income and unrepresented New Yorkers with free legal support.
“I am honored and teeming with excitement as I join the leadership team of Access Justice Brooklyn as Director of Pro Bono,” said Ziedah. “AJB’s mandate could not be more critical to ensuring access to justice for the most economically vulnerable among us. I am eager to lead strategic engagement, training, and mobilization of attorneys and other professionals who are seeking meaningful, impactful work that is anchored in the dynamic, stalwart support that is AJB’s way.”
For Ziedah, joining AJB also represents a deeply personal connection to the community the organization serves. A Brooklyn native, she is returning to her home borough after a career dedicated to advancing fairness and access to justice across New York State.
“For me, this chapter of professional work is also profoundly personal,” Ziedah said. “As a chief administrative law judge, I was dedicated to fairness and equanimity throughout the State of New York. With AJB, I am privileged to turn toward my home and birthplace, where my commitment to justice serves the families, workers, and community members whose sweat builds the borough of Brooklyn.”
“Ziedah brings an extraordinary depth of experience, leadership, and commitment to access to justice,” said Lilia Toson, President & CEO of Access Justice Brooklyn. “Her ability to build meaningful partnerships and mobilize professionals around a shared purpose will be an incredible asset to AJB. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.”
Please join us in welcoming Ziedah Diata to Access Justice Brooklyn!
