Brooklyn VLP: Press Release

  1. Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Election of New Young Professionals Board Leadership and Appointment of New Member

    Leave a Comment

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Wednesday, May 3, 2023

    ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD LEADERSHIP AND THE APPOINTMENT OF ONE NEW MEMBER (click here to download the press release)

    Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces a change in leadership of the organization’s Young Professionals Board (YPB), with the elections of Michelle D. Tuma, Associate at Winston & Strawn LLP and Lisa V. Zivkovic, Ph.D, Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP as co-chairs and Anita Rojas Carroll, Associate at Rower LLC as vice chair following the YPB meeting held on February 22, 2023 along with the appointment of one new member, Keren Goldshlager, at the organization’s Board meeting held on April 18, 2023.

    Upon election, Michelle and Lisa shared, “We are both thrilled to be stepping into the role of co-chairs of the Young Professionals Board at Access Justice Brooklyn. As members of the YPB for a few years now and both litigators with active pro bono practices, we are particularly excited to expand the membership to include young professionals across a variety of industries. We believe that recruiting from a diverse pool will further the mission of the YPB and Access Justice Brooklyn and are eager to assist with the expansion of new volunteer opportunities. We expect this to be a year of growth and cannot wait to get started.”

    Additionally, Anita shared the following, “I am honored and excited to serve as vice chair of the Young Professionals Board. Access Justice Brooklyn’s mission is very close to my heart; I am a fourth generation Brooklynite and started my career in nonprofit legal services in Brooklyn. Throughout my transition into private practice, my ties to the public interest community have remained front and center. I am fortunate to have been able to collaborate with Access Justice Brooklyn’s family law team to provide pro bono services through my firm, and look forward to what this year has in store for the organization.”

    Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s YPB is Keren Goldshlager, Strategic Response at Meta. Upon appointment, Karen said the following:

    “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Young Professionals Board of Access Justice Brooklyn, and excited to help advance its mission to support our neighbors and ensure a more equitable Brooklyn.”

    Access Justice Brooklyn’s YPB was established to support the organization’s Board of Directors and its goal of making the legal system more accessible and equitable for low-income Brooklyn residents. The YPB unites rising talent professionals across the legal and non-legal sectors who are motivated to utilize their time, experience, and diverse skill sets in service of Access Justice Brooklyn’s mission. The YPB serves as an advisor to and agent of the full Board, driving an array of activities including community outreach and program expansion, event planning and fundraising, and providing strategic guidance to the organization. 

    Keren joins a 6-member Young Professionals Board including: Michelle D. Tuma, Winston & Strawn LLP, co-chair; Lisa V. Zivkovic, Ph.D, Morrison & Foerster LLP, co-chair; Anita Rojas Carroll, Rower LLC, vice chair; Ryan Buffkin, SiriusPoint, secretary; Jacob Godshall, GIC; and Wendy Li, BSE Global.

    About Access Justice Brooklyn:

    Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys to provide high-quality, civil legal services that help ensure equal access to the legal system. The organization’s approach prioritizes the most basic, essential elements and experiences of human life, including housing, family stability, and subsistence income. Its proven pro bono model—recruit, train, supervise, and support—also provides flexibility to address new legal issues as they emerge. Everyone, whether an attorney or not, has a role to play in expanding access to justice. Visit www.accessjusticebrooklyn.org or email info@accessjusticebk.org to volunteer, donate, or find other ways to get involved.

    Press Contact:
    Melissa Starr | Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives | 718-473-9209 | melissa@accessjusticebk.org

    ###

  2. Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Election of Akshay Dhiman, Melanie Kotler, and William Zichawo to Board of Directors

    Comments Off on Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Election of Akshay Dhiman, Melanie Kotler, and William Zichawo to Board of Directors

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Friday, April 28, 2023

    ACCESS JUTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES THE ELECTION OF 3 NEW BOARD MEMBERS
    (click here to download the press release)

    Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the election of three new members to its Board of Directors following election at the organization’s meeting held on April 18, 2023.

    Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors are Akshay Dhiman, Managing Director – Power, Energy & Infrastructure M&A at Lazard; Melanie Kotler, VP of Legal Counsel – Investments at RenaissanceRe; and William Zichawo, incoming Vice President in Private Wealth Solutions Legal at Blackstone. Upon their election, the new members shared the following:

    “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn, an organization focused on providing equal access to legal services across Brooklyn and the greater New York City area. Access Justice Brooklyn’s services are more important now than ever, and I look forward to using my professional background and experience to further the organization’s mission,” said Akshay.

    “I am incredibly honored to join the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn, an impressive team of individuals supporting invaluable services for some of the most underserved populations in New York City. As an attorney who has spent many years dedicated to increasing access to quality education for historically under-resourced students and families, I’ve seen the effects of much wider-scale systemic barriers to justice. The mission and vision of Access Justice Brooklyn truly resonates with me, and I can’t wait to contribute what I can to ensure a more accessible legal system and equitable Brooklyn,” said Melanie.

    “I am so thrilled to be joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board. The organization’s mission – that no one should be denied legal support due to income, ability, or identity – is more urgent and relevant than ever. I’m highly motivated to work with my fellow board members, Access Justice Brooklyn’s incredible staff, and community partners to expand the reach of high-quality, civil legal services that help ensure equal access to the justice system,” said Will.

    Access Justice Brooklyn is committed to serving its neighbors and extending its reach throughout the Brooklyn community by engaging new leaders like Akshay, Melanie, and Will.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Akshay, Melanie, and Will to the Access Justice Brooklyn Board. Their undeniable connection to our mission and shared core values combined with such exceptional and diverse professional talents will help advance our community impact goals while strengthening our efforts in dismantling systemic barriers to justice,” said Daniel Angel, Board Resource and Governance Committee Co-Chair, Access Justice Brooklyn Board of Directors.

    Akshay, Melanie, and Will join a 22-member board that oversees Access Justice Brooklyn’s governance and strategic development including: Lynn E. Judell, Rukab Brash PLLC, Chair; Stephen Z. Williamson, Law Office of Stephen Z. Williamson, P.L.L.C., Vice Chair; Scottye Lindsey, Santander Bank, Treasurer; Michael Watson, Ford Foundation, Secretary; Jack Aldrich, BlackRock; Daniel Angel, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Elena Bonifacio, Google; Lisa Braun, PwC; Caroline Conway, Stonepeak; Elizabeth Dank, TikTok; Brian Fryd, Cornerstone Research; Jeffrey B. Gewirtz, BSE Global; Adam B. Gilbert, Nixon Peabody LLP; Heidi Lee Henderson, Access Justice Brooklyn, President; Alexander Kaplan, Oppenheim + Zebrak, LLP; Colin S. Kelly, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; Mark Lande, Island Capital Group LLC; Samuel O. Maduegbuna, Maduegbuna Cooper LLP; Thanya Polonio-Jones, Center for Reproductive Rights; Lee Popkin, Proskauer Rose LLP; Lydia Keaney Reynolds, FARFETCH; and Adam Shepherd, Macquarie Group.

    Board recruitment efforts continue as Access Justice Brooklyn seeks diverse candidates who possess the combined dedication, values, skills, and enthusiasm needed to fulfill the organization’s mission, surpass its goals, and propel Access Justice Brooklyn to new levels of impact throughout the borough.

    About Access Justice Brooklyn:

    Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys to provide high-quality, civil legal services that help ensure equal access to the legal system. The organization’s approach prioritizes the most basic, essential elements and experiences of human life, including housing, family stability, and subsistence income. Its proven pro bono model—recruit, train, supervise, and support—also provides flexibility to address new legal issues as they emerge. Everyone, whether an attorney or not, has a role to play in expanding access to justice. Visit www.accessjusticebrooklyn.org or email info@accessjusticebk.org to volunteer, donate, or find other ways to get involved.

    Press Contact:
    Melissa Starr | Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives | 718-473-9209 | melissa@accessjusticebk.org

    ###

  3. Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Election of Jack Aldrich to Board of Directors

    Leave a Comment

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Friday, March 24, 2023

    ACCESS JUTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES THE ELECTION OF A NEW BOARD MEMBER
    (click here to download the press release)

    Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the election of one new member to its Board of Directors following election at the organization’s board meeting held on March 9, 2023.

    Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors is Jack Aldrich, Vice President, Official Institutions at BlackRock and former Chair of the organization’s Young Professionals Board (YPB). Upon his election, Mr. Aldrich shared the following:

    “I am delighted and honored to be joining the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn, a purpose-driven organization whose role in ensuring equal access to the legal system for all residents of Brooklyn, is more critical now than ever. As a non-lawyer, I look forward to putting my professional background and previous experience as Chair of Access Justice Brooklyn’s Young Professionals Board to work in service of the organization’s mission.” 

    Access Justice Brooklyn is dedicated to serving our community and creating a fairer and more accessible legal system by engaging leaders like Mr. Aldrich and strengthening our network and partnerships within the law firms and businesses throughout the City. During his tenure on the YPB, Mr. Aldrich actively participated in and led member recruitment efforts, diversification of fundraising, event management, and the expansion of volunteer opportunities for cross industry professionals.

    “I am so pleased that Jack Aldrich is joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board. As a founding member of the Young Professionals Board, he has demonstrated such an impressive level of commitment and passion for the organization’s mission as well as capacity to lead with creativity, expertise, and enthusiasm. His accomplishments as Chair of the YPB are just a mere glimpse into what we know will be Jack’s continued impact on the strategic growth of the organization as he embraces his new role as Board Member,” said Stephen Z. Williamson, Vice Chair and Board Resource and Governance Committee Co-Chair, Access Justice Brooklyn Board of Directors.

    Mr. Aldrich joins a 21 – member board that oversees Access Justice Brooklyn’s governance and strategic development including: Lynn E. Judell, Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP, Chair; Stephen Z. Williamson, Law Office of Stephen Z. Williamson, P.L.L.C., Vice Chair; Scottye Lindsey, Santander Bank, Treasurer; Michael Watson, Ford Foundation, Secretary; Daniel Angel, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Elena Bonifacio, Google; Lisa Braun, PwC; Caroline Conway, Stonepeak; Elizabeth Dank, TikTok; Brian Fryd, Cornerstone Research; Jeffrey B. Gewirtz, BSE Global; Adam B. Gilbert, Nixon Peabody LLP; Heidi Lee Henderson, Access Justice Brooklyn, President; Alexander Kaplan, Oppenheim + Zebrak, LLP; Colin S. Kelly, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; Mark Lande, Island Capital Group LLC; Samuel O. Maduegbuna, Maduegbuna Cooper LLP; Thanya Polonio-Jones, Center for Reproductive Rights; Lee Popkin, Proskauer Rose LLP; Lydia Keaney Reynolds, FARFETCH; and Adam Shepherd, Macquarie Group.

    Board recruitment efforts continue as Access Justice Brooklyn seeks diverse candidates who possess the combined interests, skills, values, enthusiasm, and dedication needed to fulfill the organization’s mission, surpass its goals, and propel Access Justice Brooklyn to new levels of impact.

    About Access Justice Brooklyn:

    Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys to provide high-quality, civil legal services that help ensure equal access to the legal system. The organization’s approach prioritizes the most basic, essential elements and experiences of human life, including housing, family stability, and subsistence income. Its proven pro bono model—recruit, train, supervise, and support—also provides flexibility to address new legal issues as they emerge. Everyone, whether an attorney or not, has a role to play in expanding access to justice. Visit www.accessjusticebrooklyn.org or email info@accessjusticebk.org to volunteer, donate, or find other ways to get involved.

    Press Contact:
    Melissa Starr | Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives | 718-473-9210 | melissa@accessjusticebk.org

    ###

  4. Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Retirement of Lawrence F. DiGiovanna and Steven Zelkowitz from Board of Directors

    Leave a Comment

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Thursday, March 23, 2023

    ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES THE RETIREMINET OF 2 BOARD MEMBERS AND ELECTION OF NEW BOARD LEADERSHIP (click here to download the press release)

    Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the retirement of long-time Board Vice Chair Lawrence F. DiGiovanna, Partner, Abrams Fensterman LLP, and Board Member, Steven Zelkowitz, President, Utility Technology Solutions, and the election of former Board Secretary, Stephen Z. Williamson, Principal Attorney, Law Office of Stephen Z. Williamson, P.L.L.C., as Vice Chair and Michael Watson, Senior Investment Analyst, Hedge Funds, Ford Foundation, as Secretary following the organization’s March 9, 2023 board meeting. In addition, Lynn E. Judell, Of Counsel, Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP, and Scottye Lindsey, Head of US CIB Leveraged Finance, Santander Bank, were re-elected as Chair and Treasurer, respectively.

    Upon retirement, Larry DiGiovanna, who joined the Board of Directors of Access Justice Brooklyn in 1999 and served on the Executive Committee as Vice Chair for twenty years and chaired the Audit Committee since 2015, said: “I am deeply appreciative for having had the opportunity and ability to serve the organization as a volunteer, Board Member, and officer. I congratulate the Board on the amazing progress that has been made over the past decade in bringing Access Justice Brooklyn from a modest but effective provider to one of the top volunteer legal service organizations in New York State. Our accomplishments in growth, both financial and programmatic, give us all reasons to be proud. But for those who have engaged in volunteerism, we know the most gratifying moments come when clients, each in their own way, express their appreciation for our help, although we require no such thanks.”

    Steve Zelkowitz, who also joined the Board of Directors of Access Justice Brooklyn in 1999 and chaired the organization’s Investment Committee from 2014-2020, shared the following: “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as a member of the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn for over 23 years, and contribute, in some small way, to its development and growth into a critical part of the legal infrastructure in Brooklyn providing vital legal services to the underserved of the borough. I wish the organization and its staff nothing but continued success in achieving its important mission.”

    Over the years, Larry and Steve have epitomized the definition of leadership, generosity, and dedication. Their unwavering support, expert guidance, and vision helped shape the organization, propelling the advancement of Access Justice Brooklyn’s mission and pioneering pro bono model.

    Reflecting on their contributions to the organization, Board Chair, Lynn Judell said the following: “Larry and Steve are shining examples of what it means to be legal advocates for our community. Their shared values and commitment to equal justice are what helped pave the path for Access Justice Brooklyn to enhance its role in providing high-quality, civil legal services to Brooklyn’s underserved communities. Their influence and impact will be forever embedded into the fiber of Access Justice Brooklyn’s work and fulfillment of our mission.”

    About Access Justice Brooklyn:

    Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys to provide high-quality, civil legal services that help ensure equal access to the legal system. The organization’s approach prioritizes the most basic, essential elements and experiences of human life, including housing, family stability, and subsistence income. Its proven pro bono model—recruit, train, supervise, and support—also provides flexibility to address new legal issues as they emerge. Everyone, whether an attorney or not, has a role to play in expanding access to justice. Visit www.accessjusticebrooklyn.org or email info@accessjusticebk.org to volunteer, donate, or find other ways to get involved.

    Press Contact:
    Melissa Starr | Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives | 718-473-9210 | melissa@accessjusticebk.org

    ###

  5. Press Release: New Board Member Appointment

    Leave a Comment

    Access Justice Brooklyn announces the appointment of one new member to its Board of Directors following election at the organization’s meeting held on March 9, 2022. Joining the Board of Directors is Samuel O. Maduegbuna, Founding Partner at Maduegbuna Cooper LLP. Upon his election, Mr. Maduegbuna shared the following:

    “I am incredibly excited to join in the most important and sorely needed work the VLP Board is doing – providing access to justice to underserved citizens of Brooklyn and the greater New York City. I look forward to contributing in the VLP’s mission, particularly as it assists and aids the ever-growing recent immigrant members of this most important city in the world.”

    Please see the official press release here.