Brooklyn VLP: Media

  1. Access Justice Brooklyn Submits Testimony to The NYC Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection

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    On Thursday, March 19, 2026 Access Justice Brooklyn President & CEO Lilia Toson testified before the New York City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection Preliminary Budget Hearing to call the Council’s attention to the need for additional resources to effectively operate limited-scope programs for pro se consumer defendants in Brooklyn Civil Court.

    New York City’s Civil Courts have jurisdiction over monetary claims of up to $50,000, such as credit card debt, auto loans, medical debt, student loans, and rental arrears. To assist defendants in these matters, two limited-scope legal services programs operate across the New York City Civil Court system: the Consumer Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO) programs, and the Volunteer Lawyer for the Day (VLFD) programs. Not-for-profit legal services organizations staff these programs in each borough, largely in partnership with law schools to increase the programs’ capacity. In Brooklyn, Access Justice Brooklyn operates both the CLARO and VLFD programs.

    During her testimony, Lilia shared the following: “As many as seventy to eighty people seek assistance at Brooklyn CLARO on any given day, which is a number that has increased substantially since the pandemic. Compared to 2019, in 2025 we have handled an increase of nearly forty percent in matters for consumer defendants, relying on the same level of staff. The increase demand far exceeds the capacity of the CLARO program.”

    As most consumer defendants are people with low incomes, access to private counsel represents a prohibitive expense, making the Civil Court’s pro se programs their only source of legal assistance. The CLARO and VLFD programs therefore represent crucial resources for consumers without representation, and the status of these programs in Brooklyn Civil Court illustrates that the need for assistance has outpaced the level of capacity that funding currently supports. These programs have largely maintained their level of impact through the generous support of volunteers and through the efforts of Access Justice Brooklyn’s staff to meet with as many people as possible despite time and resource constraints.

    Lilia’s full testimony can be viewed below.

    A copy of the written testimony is available to view and download here.

  2. Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn announces new Board of Directors leadership and the election of two new members

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Tuesday, March 31, 2026

    ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS LEADERSHIP AND THE ELECTION OF TWO NEW MEMBERS (click here to download the press release)

    Lynn Judell
    Co-Chair
    AJB Board of Directors

    Caroline Conway
    Co-Chair
    AJB Board of Directors

    Temidayo Aganga-Williams
    Partner
    Selendy Gay PLLC

    Killian A. Lewis
    Founder and Principal Consultant
    Aurora Way Consulting, LLC

    Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces a change in leadership of the organization’s Board of Directors, with the elections of Caroline Conway and Lynn Judell, Of Counsel, Rukab Brash PLLC as Co-Chairs following the organization’s meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, along with the election of two new members, Temidayo Aganga-Williams, Partner at Selendy Gay PLLC and Killian A. Lewis, Founder and Principal Consultant at Aurora Way Consulting, LLC.

    As Access Justice Brooklyn’s longstanding Chair of the Board, having served in the role since 2019, Lynn Judell reflected on the new configuration of the organization’s executive committee, saying the following:

    “I am delighted to serve as Co-Chair of the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn along with Caroline Conway, who has distinguished herself as a dynamic and extremely effective co-head of AJB’s development committee. While I have been in this role many years, I remain energized and constantly inspired by AJB’s work and mission to provide high-quality, pro bono legal services and community education to our neighbors. Caroline and I, along with our Vice Chair Daniel Angel, Treasurer Lisa Braun and Secretary Michael Watson, and our dedicated staff, volunteers, and board will continue to strive to remove barriers to the legal system and close the justice gap.”

    In elevating her leadership role with Access Justice Brooklyn and deepening her commitment to the advancement of the organization, Caroline Conway shared the following:

    “Access Justice Brooklyn changes lives. When individuals gain access to legal support and financial knowledge, they’re empowered to advocate for themselves, safeguard their families, and take control of their futures. I’m proud to step into this role alongside Lynn Judell and excited for everything that lies ahead.”

    As the result of intentional and essential recruitment efforts, joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors are Temidayo Aganga-Williams, Partner at Selendy Gay PLLC and Killian A. Lewis, Founder and Principal Consultant at Aurora Way Consulting, LLC. The new members offered the following upon their elections:

    “I’m honored to join the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn and contribute to an organization deeply committed to expanding access to legal services and strengthening communities across Brooklyn. This important work helps ensure that individuals and families can navigate legal challenges with the guidance and support they deserve. I look forward to supporting that mission,” said Temidayo.

    “I’m honored to join the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn and support the organization’s critical work expanding access to legal resources across Brooklyn. I’m especially excited to help elevate the visibility of its mission and connect more members of the community to the resources and advocacy that can make a meaningful difference in their lives,” said Killian.

    Access Justice Brooklyn President & CEO, Lilia Toson then shared the following:

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Temidayo Aganga-Williams and Killian A. Lewis to Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors at such a pivotal moment, as Caroline joins Lynn in leadership. Both are Brooklynites deeply invested in our mission and vision for a more equitable Brooklyn. Each also brings a wealth of skills and talents that will further strengthen our organization and Board. We look forward to working with Temidayo and Killian.”

    In her inaugural year as Access Justice Brooklyn’s President & CEO, Lilia Toson will continue the organization’s Board recruitment efforts, seeking diverse candidates – lawyers and cross industry professionals – who possess the combined values, dedication, expertise, networks, and skills needed to fulfill the organization’s mission, surpass its programmatic and fundraising goals, secure new stakeholders, and strategically guide Access Justice Brooklyn to new levels of impact within the economic justice space. With the integration of financial literacy education and coaching, candidates within the finance industry are particularly critical to the organization and expansion of the Board. Learn more here.

  3. Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Appointment of 2 New Young Professionals Board Members

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Tuesday, March 24, 2026

    ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD MEMBERS (click here to download the full press release)

    Martese Johnson
    Associate
    Cadwalader

    Caleb Mims
    Legal Marketing Specialist
    Rubenstein

    Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the appointment of two new members to its Young Professionals Board (YPB) following the organization’s Board meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

    Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s YPB are Martese Johnson, Associate at Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, and Caleb Mims, Legal Marketing Specialist at Rubenstein. “We are very happy to have Martese Johnson and Caleb Mims join Access Justice Brooklyn’s Young Professionals Board. Martese and Caleb are both excited to utilize their talents in support of services that contribute to economic justice, helping ensure that income does not represent a barrier to legal help and financial stability. We’re eager to integrate Martese and Caleb into our work and community,” said Lilia Toson, Access Justice Brooklyn President & CEO.

    Upon their appointment, the new members shared the following:

    “As a Southside Chicago native and a resident of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, I have both observed and experienced first-hand the injustices that persist as a result of citizens’ lack of access to sufficient legal knowledge and representation. Access Justice Brooklyn’s organizational mission to bridge the justice gap is synonymous with one of the major reasons I climb out of bed each morning. I am elated to join the YPB, and to serve as a resource to AJB and the larger Brooklyn community,” said Martese.

    “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the growing impact that Access Justice Brooklyn has had in building a more equitable Brooklyn; it’s a huge honor and responsibility to help remove systemic barriers,” said Caleb.

    Access Justice Brooklyn’s YPB supports the organization’s Board of Directors and its goal of closing the justice gap for individuals facing foreclosure, insurmountable debt, and other threats to their economic security – strengthening Brooklyn families and communities. The YPB unites rising professionals across the legal and non-legal sectors who are motivated to utilize their time, experience, and unique skill sets in service of Access Justice Brooklyn’s mission and vision for an equitable Brooklyn.

    Access Justice Brooklyn is in an exciting phase of the organization’s lifecycle, with Lilia Toson driving operational advancement and strategic growth. Therefore, with a wave of momentum and new engagement opportunities, Access Justice Brooklyn seeks to add several new YPB members including dedicated and socially conscious young professionals with a deep commitment to access to justice and economic security, and who bring innovative ideas and a passion for helping underserved communities in Brooklyn. Strong leadership abilities, a collaborative spirit, and a network of connections within the legal, financial, nonprofit, or corporate sectors are highly valued. Learn more here.

  4. Access Justice Brooklyn Announces Lilia Toson as the Organization’s New President & CEO

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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Wednesday, November 12, 2025

    ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES LILIA TOSON AS THE ORGANIZATION’S NEW PRESIDENT & CEO (click here to download the press release)

    Lilia Toson
    AJB Incoming President & CEO

    Lynn Judell
    Chair, AJB Board of Directors

    Mark Lande
    AJB Board Member and Search Committee Chair

    Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn (AJB) announces the appointment of the organization’s next President & CEO, Lilia Toson, following a diligent and strategic search led by AJB’s Board Search Committee and Josie Sandler, CEO and Founder of Sandler Search, a national boutique executive search firm.

    On behalf of AJB, Mark Lande, Board Member and Search Committee Chair, shared the following: “Thank you to Josie and the team at Sandler Search in guiding us through the recruitment process to select Access Justice Brooklyn’s new President & CEO. We immediately recognized that Lilia would be an excellent fit for AJB: with her experience, dedication to public service, deep understanding of our work, and strong ties to the Brooklyn community, we are confident that she will bring the dynamic leadership necessary to further the organization’s success for years to come.”

    As the former Attorney-in-Charge of Civil Citywide Units at The Legal Aid Society (LAS), Lilia led a large staff representing New Yorkers across a broad spectrum of specialties through the organization’s Economic Equities Project, Education Law Project, Employment Law Unit, Family/DV Unit, Government Benefits & Disability Advocacy Project, and Health Law Unit.

    Prior to joining LAS, as an Assistant Attorney General for New York State, Lilia handled cases seeking to protect the civil and constitutional rights of all New Yorkers. She has previously served as a Senior Counsel in the Affirmative Litigation Division of the NYC Law Department, an associate at Cleary Gottlieb, and a clerk for the Judge Duane Benton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

    As a civil rights lawyer and fierce advocate for justice, Lilia is guided by a strong belief in community driven programming which is at the heart of AJB’s model and approach. She has also successfully developed and strengthened a range of impactful and longstanding relationships within the corporate and major law firm space as well as with funders, government agencies, and organizational partners.

    “I am delighted to welcome Lilia as Access Justice Brooklyn’s new President & CEO. As an accomplished and dedicated champion for justice – and a proud Brooklynite – Lilia exemplifies the inspiring leader we had envisioned for AJB’s next chapter. I could not be more excited to have Lilia at the organization’s helm,” shared Lynn Judell, Chair, AJB Board of Directors. “On behalf of the board and AJB’s community, I also want to thank Melissa Starr for graciously stepping into the Interim President & CEO role over the last year. We are so grateful for Melissa’s inspiring and steadfast leadership which ensured the organization’s continued stability and advancement during this period of transition. With Lilia joining us in the new year, we are well positioned for continued operational growth and impact. I look forward to us all working together to further AJB’s mission in service to the Brooklyn community.”

    “I am thrilled to lead Access Justice Brooklyn, an organization that successfully utilizes the talents of public interest lawyers, the private bar, and cross industry professionals to increase economic equity,” said Lilia Toson. “Those who offer their time to assist low-income Brooklynites each year make an incredible difference in the lives and livelihoods of our clients. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and volunteers to expand AJB’s programming to meet our vision of a Brooklyn where everyone has equal access to the legal and financial systems.”

    Lilia will be welcomed by the AJB community at the organization’s upcoming Gala held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the Brooklyn Museum and officially assumes her role as AJB’s President & CEO on Monday, January 5, 2026.

    “Lilia Toson is an exceptional lawyer and visionary leader whose skill, judgment, and deep commitment to justice have always set her apart. I had the privilege of working with her and witnessed her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and purpose while motivating those around her toward meaningful impact. Access Justice Brooklyn could not have chosen a more capable and inspiring leader to advance its mission.”
    –– Adriene Holder, Chief Attorney, Civil Practice, The Legal Aid Society

    “Lilia Toson has a proven track record of providing essential legal assistance to low-income families and individuals. In her new leadership role, she will have an even greater impact on New Yorkers who urgently need legal aid.”
    –– Steven Banks, Former head of The Legal Aid Society and the former City Social Services Commissioner.

    “Lilia Toson combines the skills of a brilliant lawyer and determined advocate with compassionate community building leadership. Her stellar track record of creative problem solving to promote access to justice uniquely positions Lilia as a visionary leader of AJB.”
    –– Janet Sabel, Former CEO of The Legal Aid Society NYC, ED Center on Civil Justice at NYU School of Law.

  5. Access Justice Brooklyn Launch Party hosted by Board Member Jeffrey B. Gewirtz, BSE Global

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    Arnold and Clara Gewirtz with Jeffrey Gewirtz
    Access Justice Brooklyn Board of Directors
    Access Justice Brooklyn Staff

    On July 13, 2022, we celebrated Access Justice Brooklyn and the launch of our new name, new brand, and renewed mission. The celebration took place at the Crown Club at Barclays Center and was hosted by Access Justice Brooklyn Board Member Jeffrey B. Gewirtz, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, BSE Global.

    Founded in 1990 to help close the gap in legal resources and representation in the borough, we have been a pioneer of contemporary pro bono models and a progressive force in the community. We believe that broad, sustainable systems change requires a holistic approach, and our new brand is a more accurate reflection of who we are today and our vision for the future. Read the press release here.

    Thank you to Jeff Gewirtz for his leadership, support and generosity and for providing us with a night to remember at the Barclays Center.

    A special thank you to Access Justice Brooklyn Board Members, Young Professionals Board Members, and our dedicated staff without whom this rebrand, and launch would not be possible!

    For more photos of the evening, visit our Instagram and Facebook page.

    —
    Photography by Reuben Kleiner.