Press Release: The New York State Bar Association, Access Justice Brooklyn, and The Brooklyn Bar Association Join Together In Honor Of Mitchell Rabbino Health Care Decisions Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 24, 2025

THE NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN, AND THE BROOKLYN BAR ASSOCIATION JOIN TOGETHER IN HONOR OF MITCHELL RABBINO HEALTH CARE DECISIONS DAY  (click here to download the press release)

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law & Special Needs Section, Access Justice Brooklyn, and the Brooklyn Bar Association will join in celebration of Mitchell Rabbino Health Care Decisions Day to help ensure members of the Brooklyn community are aware of the critical importance of advance life planning.

Founded in 1995 by Mitchell Rabbino, Esq. – an elder law attorney and active member of the NYSBA Elder Law Section – and originally known as Senior Health Care Decisions Day, the objective of the day is to empower older adults with the resources and understanding of the importance of completing advanced directives. Following Mitchell Rabbino’s passing on February 14, 2003, the day was renamed in his honor, and his legacy lives on and continues to inspire the work.

The upcoming event series On Tuesday, April 29th will be driven by compassionate volunteers across sponsoring organizations who will have the opportunity to visit participating senior and community centers across Brooklyn, providing free presentations and FAQ sessions about advanced medical directives such as a health care proxy, and other life planning documents.

“A health care proxy is a document that instructs a close family member or friend to make healthcare decisions for a person if they are no longer able to do so for themselves. Often people put off this crucial task instead of naming a healthcare agent as soon as possible. We want our community members to know that it is never too early to determine these arrangements, in fact, the sooner the better,” said Joan C. Lenihan, Esq., owner of Joan C. Lenihan, Attorney at Law and coordinator of the 2025 Mitchell Rabbino Health Care Decisions Day.

If you would like more information about participating in Mitchell Rabbino National Healthcare Decisions Day, please contact Joan C. Lenihan, Esq. at(917) 805-2004 or joan@joanclenihanlaw.com or Access Justice Brooklyn at info@accessjusticebk.org.

About the New York State Bar Association Elder Law & Special Needs Section:

The Elder Law and Special Needs Section provides services and opportunities for NYSBA members to become involved on issues relating to elder law and special needs law.  Among activities, the Section presents educational programs and publishes materials on practice, procedure and developments to enhance the competence and skill of lawyers who practice in this field and improve their ability to deliver the most efficient and highest quality of services to their clients; prepare studies, analyses and recommendations to seek improvement in the law and procedure relating to elder law; and undertake projects to increase the understanding of senior citizens, their families and the general public concerning legal issues affecting the elderly. Visit nysba.org to learn more.

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.

About the Brooklyn Bar Association

Established in 1872, the Brooklyn Bar Association’s primary purpose is to promote professional competence among attorneys and increased respect for the legal system. The BBA promotes access to the legal system through the Lawyer Referral Service which provides referrals for legal assistance in multiple practice areas. The BBA advances leadership and promotes opportunities for success through networking opportunities and through sections and committees, which focus on improvements in the practice of law. The BBA also provides Continuing Legal Education, which enhances the skills, competence and ethics of its members. Visit brooklynbar.org to learn more.

###

Statement in Support of the Legal Profession & Rule of Law

Statement in Support of the Legal Profession & Rule of Law
March 24, 2025 (click here for PDF)

For over 35 years, Access Justice Brooklyn has delivered essential civil legal services and community education to our neighbors in need. To achieve our vision for an accessible legal system and equitable Brooklyn, we leverage the expertise of pro bono attorneys and law firms who share in our belief that the legal process should be open and available to everyone.

The current administration’s recent actions represent a deeply concerning challenge to the long-standing partnership that has existed between the nonprofit sector and the private bar, compromising access to justice for vulnerable communities.

We are encouraged by the broad opposition to the President’s attempts to dismantle the rule of law – efforts which threaten the foundation of our democracy and undermine the values that allow our legal system to function. We further call on our partners in the legal community to remain steadfast in our collective obligation to defend the rule of law, and resilient in the face of these attacks on our justice system.

Access Justice Brooklyn stands in solidarity with the many diverse voices – from within private law firms and across the legal profession – that continue to advocate for the rule of law and uphold the integrity of our legal system. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we live our values, speak up in defense of democracy, and remain committed to advancing justice.

Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Election of New Board of Directors Leadership and the Election of a New Member

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 21, 2025

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

Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces a change in leadership of the organization’s Board of Directors, with the election of Daniel Angel, Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, as Vice Chair following the organization’s meeting held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, along with the election of a new member, Daniel Daneshrad, Partner at King & Spalding LLP.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are to Steve for his years of leadership, serving as Vice Chair of Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors. As an Executive Committee member, Steve helped shape the organization’s strategy and programmatic growth, ensuring that Brooklyn remained at our core every step of the way. As Steve hands the Vice Chair reins to Daniel, we are confident that he will remain the strong force for Access Justice Brooklyn that we all aspire to be. Though Steve has set the bar high, there is no one better suited but Daniel Angel to follow in his footsteps. Daniel has proven to be an exceptional ambassador for Access Justice Brooklyn over his years of board service and I look forward to his compassionate leadership as he joins the Executive Committee during an especially pivotal time for the organization,” said Lynn Judell, Chair, Access Justice Brooklyn Board of Directors.

Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors is Daniel Daneshrad, Partner at King & Spalding LLP. Upon his election, Dan shared the following:

“I am delighted to be joining the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn, an organization dedicated to providing equal access to legal services across Brooklyn. Throughout my professional career, I have found my pro bono matters to have been some of my most meaningful and rewarding accomplishments and I appreciate the opportunity to expand my contributions. I look forward to doing my part to advance the mission of Access Just Brooklyn and make Brooklyn a more equitable and just community.”

Following Dan’s election, Melissa Starr, Interim President & CEO of Access Justice Brooklyn said the following:

“We are thrilled by Dan’s election to Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors. He has quickly embraced his new role – from programmatic engagement to exploring new opportunities for critical philanthropic support – and immersed himself in all areas of Access Justice Brooklyn. As a Brooklynite, Dan’s enthusiastic commitment to his community is inspiring, motivating, and infectious! We look forward to what we know will be a longstanding and impactful partnership.”

Dan joins a 19-member board that oversees Access Justice Brooklyn’s governance and strategic development including: Lynn E. Judell, Rukab Brash PLLC, Chair; Lisa Braun, PwC, Treasurer; Michael Watson, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Secretary; Jack Aldrich, BlackRock; Caroline Conway, Stonepeak; Akshay Dhiman, Lazard; Adam B. Gilbert, Nixon Peabody LLP; Melissa Starr, Access Justice Brooklyn, Interim President & CEO; 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; Lee Popkin, Proskauer Rose LLP; Adam Shepherd, Macquarie Group; Stephen Z. Williamson, Law Office of Stephen Z. Williamson, P.L.L.C.; William Zichawo, Blackstone; and Lauren Zimmerman, Selendy Gay PLLC.

Board recruitment efforts continue as Access Justice Brooklyn seeks 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 goals, secure new stakeholders, and strategically 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:
Melinda Garcia | Development Manager | 718-473-9204 | melinda@accessjusticebk.org

###

Exciting News: AJB’s New Office is Open!

Dear Neighbors,

In November 2024, we shared that Access Justice Brooklyn was relocating, and we are now delighted to announce that we have officially opened our doors to our new office located at 203 Jay Street, Suite 300, Brooklyn, NY 11201!

With staff settled in, and 203 Jay Street already feeling like home, we look forward to welcoming our community members, volunteers, partners, donors, and friends to a space designed with intention, representing our shared values: access, change, compassion, fairness, resilience, and respect.

As a reminder, our intake hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All intakes and requests for help on legal cases must be done by phone at (718) 624-3894 or via our online intake form. In-person meetings can be arranged by appointment only.

If you are an existing AJB client and would like to meet in-person with your assigned attorney, please reach out to them directly to make an appointment.

Our weekly legal court clinics also continue to operate as normal:

  •  If you are facing foreclosure, the Foreclosure Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) Program operates every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:30-3:30 PM at Kings County Supreme Court. Click here for clinic details.
  • If you are being sued for a debt in civil court, the Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office (CLARO) operates every Thursday from 2:00-4:30 PM and 5:00-7:00 PM at the Brooklyn Civil Court. Click here for clinic details.

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition period. We are truly excited to share our new office with you all! Please stay tuned for upcoming events, workshops, and community forums and check our website and social media to keep up with AJB’s programming and learn more about ways to help advance our critical mission.

Warm regards,

The Access Justice Brooklyn Team

Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces President & CEO Departure, Appoints Interim Replacement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, December 5, 2024

ACCESS JUSTICE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT & CEO DEPARTURE, APPOINTS INTERIM REPLACEMENT (click here to download the press release)

Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the departure of President & CEO, Heidi Lee Henderson as she transitions into a new leadership position for a national organization in the nonprofit space; and appoints Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives, Melissa Starr, as Interim President & CEO following the organization’s board meeting held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Heidi’s final day with the organization is Friday, December 6, 2024, after which Melissa will assume the Interim President & CEO role.

For the past decade, Heidi has led Access Justice Brooklyn (AJB) through a range of transformations, most notably strengthening the organizational infrastructure, more than doubling the staff size from six to fifteen; ensuring continued flexible positioning by growing the operational budget from just under $700,000 to $2.4 million; and guiding the organization through the myriad of unique challenges brought on by the Covid-19 global pandemic. She also advanced the organization’s rebrand from the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project to Access Justice Brooklyn in June 2022, launching a new organizational identity and a renewed mission to providing high-quality, pro bono legal services and community education to Brooklyn neighbors in need.

“Heidi has been an extraordinary champion for people in the Brooklyn community. Her leadership over the last decade has been unparalleled, and she will be deeply missed. Thanks to Heidi’s vision, her tenacity, and the remarkable team she has built, Access Justice Brooklyn could not be better positioned to continue our mission to help ensure a more accessible legal system and equitable Brooklyn,” said Lynn Judell, AJB Board Chair.

“Thank you to Heidi for so many years of dedicated service, for presiding over such dynamic change and growth at Access Justice Brooklyn, and for her commitment to the values that are at the core of our organization. While we are mighty sad to see her go, we wish her the very best in all her new endeavors and are sure that her next chapters will be successful,” said Stephen Z. Williamson, AJB Board Vice Chair.

Heidi shared, “It has been an honor to have led Access Justice Brooklyn for the past ten years. I am deeply proud of the organization’s accomplishments and growth. AJB is a force in our Brooklyn community–dismantling systemic barriers to justice by providing access and assistance to underserved Brooklynites as they navigate a complex legal system. I know that our talented and compassionate staff and volunteers, with the support of our dedicated board, young professionals board, advisory board, and emeritus board, will continue to deliver critical legal services and impactful programming for years to come.” 

Heidi continued saying the following, “I am thrilled that Melissa Starr has been named AJB’s Interim President & CEO. I know that the organization will continue to flourish under her leadership, and I look forward to seeing AJB reach impressive, new achievements.”

“Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Heidi, experiencing first-hand the impact of her leadership. She has guided, strengthened, and diversified AJB over her tenure with grace, flexibility, and the Brooklyn community in her mind and heart every step of the way. As we transition into this new chapter for AJB, I am honored to accept the role and responsibilities of Interim President & CEO. I look forward to furthering my collaboration with our extraordinary board and staff, building on well-established partnerships and shared values. Together, with our dedicated volunteers, generous supporters, and range of AJB stakeholders, we will continue to advance our critical mission and vision for an equitable Brooklyn, while ensuring programmatic accessibility and responsiveness to community needs,” said Melissa Starr, Senior Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives.

Melissa has been with the organization since 2017, working alongside Heidi and the AJB Board of Directors to plan, steer, and execute the organization’s fundraising and communications strategy as well as advance impactful and long standing philanthropic and programmatic partnerships. Melissa steps into the role of Interim President & CEO as the organization is in an exciting stage, relocating offices. AJB plans to welcome its staff, clients, volunteers, supporters, and extended community to 203 Jay Street in the upcoming new year.

Upon Melissa’s appointment, Co-Chairs of AJB’s Board Development Committee Caroline Conway and Adam Shepherd shared the following: “Melissa has been a creative and driving force for growth and progress within AJB for the last seven years. Our organization is lucky to have such a talented and motivated team member within our existing ranks to step into the role of Interim President & CEO. Her experience, energy, and commitment will make for a smooth transition and a steady, positive path forward.”

The AJB Board of Directors will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and commence a search in the new year for a permanent President & CEO.

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:
Melinda Garcia | Development Manager | 718-473-9205 | melinda@accessjusticebk.org

###

We are Moving!

Dear Neighbors,

We are pleased to announce that Access Justice Brooklyn will be relocating to a new office in the upcoming New Year! We are excited to share that our new office will be in the Downtown Brooklyn area; however, beginning on Monday, November 25th, AJB staff will be working remotely while we prepare for our move.

What does this mean for you?

If you are an AJB client, our staff and volunteers are meeting with clients virtually and/or via telephone. In-person meetings can be arranged by appointment only. If you would like to meet in-person with your assigned attorney, please reach out to them directly.

If you are seeking legal assistance, please note our phone and online intake has temporarily closed and will reopen on Monday, December 9th, 2024. If you are awaiting a follow-up from a recent intake, please excuse any delays.

We are not conducting in-person intake at this time, however, you can complete our intake form online here. If you prefer to speak with AJB staff directly, our normal intake hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please call (718) 624-3894 or email us at help@accessjusticebk.org.

Need to send us mail?

As we transition to our new location, we have set up a temporary P.O. Box mailing address. Please direct all mail to the following address as of November 22, 2024:

Access Justice Brooklyn
271 Cadman Plz E Ste. 2, #22640
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Please note, this is only a mailing address. Should you need to meet with AJB staff in-person, please call to make an appointment. Any mail sent to our previous location at 44 Court Street will be redirected to the address above.

Stay tuned for more updates about our move and be sure to check our website and social media for the latest information.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help!

Warm regards,

The Access Justice Brooklyn Team

Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Appointment of Richa Jain to Young Professionals Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

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

Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the appointment of a new member to its Young Professionals Board (YPB) following the organization’s Board meeting held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s YPB is Richa Jain, Pharmaceuticals Transformations Senior Associate, PwC. Upon her appointment, Richa shared the following:

“I was strongly drawn to Access Justice Brooklyn’s mission to provide pro bono services to my community in Brooklyn, especially in family stabilization matters. I value integrity and honorability above all else and believe Access Justice Brooklyn’s purpose transforms lives and families from the ground up. As a Brooklynite, I want to be part of this broader mission and apply my leadership and consulting skills to making an impact — one person at a time.”

Richa’s passion for her Brooklyn neighbors and her commitment to community advocacy make her an invaluable addition to the organization. “We are excited to welcome Richa to the YPB! Her dedication to creating lasting change in her community will undoubtedly enhance Access Justice Brooklyn’s mission to create a more equitable Brooklyn,” said Michelle Tuma, Access Justice Brooklyn YPB co-chair.

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 Board of Directors, driving an array of activities including community outreach and program expansion with a current focus on financial literacy, event planning and fundraising, and providing strategic guidance to the organization.

Richa joins a 8-member Young Professionals Board including: Michelle D. Tuma, Winston & Strawn LLP, co-chair; Lisa V. Zivkovic, Ph.D, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, co-chair; Cooper Bellinson, Ares Management Corporation; Vidya Dindiyal, Thompson Coburn LLP; Jacob Godshall, GIC; Keren Goldshlager, Meta; Aaron Kahen, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; and Wendy Li, BSE Global.

In Access Justice Brooklyn’s continuing strategic growth efforts, the organization currently seeks to add several new YPB members including dedicated and socially conscious young professionals with a deep commitment to access to justice and who bring innovative ideas and have a passion for helping underserved communities in Brooklyn. Strong leadership skills, a collaborative spirit, and a network of connections within the legal, corporate, or nonprofit sectors are highly valued.

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

National Pro Bono Week 2024

National Pro Bono Week takes place every year in October and celebrates the pro bono spirit of the many professionals who devote their skills and expertise to support nonprofits like Access Justice Brooklyn all around the world!

Access Justice Brooklyn thanks our dedicated volunteers who provide essential legal services year-round. Your generosity supports our efforts to create a more accessible legal system for those in need. We look forward to continuing to work together in creating a more equitable Brooklyn where everyone knows their rights and has access to legal support!

Join us in celebrating Pro Bono Week and learn more about our amazing volunteers including Matthew Treiber, Rachel L. Kaylie, and Tara Moss who were honored at our Volunteer Recognition Event held this past summer; view our list of impactful law firm and corporate pro bono partners; attend our upcoming virtual trainings (see below), and start volunteering today!

Access Justice Brooklyn partners with compassionate pro bono attorneys and cross industry professionals to provide high-quality, civil legal services and community education that help ensure equal access to the legal system.

Join the AJB Volunteer Community!

Explore additional opportunities to join the AJB volunteer community by participating in various activities, such as tabling events, prevention-focused workshops, Senior LEAP, and financial literacy presentations.

If you’d like to attend an upcoming presentation or community event, please reach out to us at volunteer@accessjusticebk.org.

Upcoming Trainings:

The following CLE courses are FREE to those who accept one case relevant to the topic from Access Justice Brooklyn before November 1, 2025. Experienced attorneys who take a pro bono case can receive additional CLE credit for every 2 hours of eligible pro bono service.

*The cost is $50 for registrants who do not wish to take a pro bono referral.

Representing Homeowners in Administrative Hearings: New Trends and Challenges, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, 3:30–5:00 PM via Zoom
Presented by: Peter S. White II, Supervising Attorney, Access Justice Brooklyn; and Aaron Scheinwald, Staff Attorney, Access Justice Brooklyn
CLE Credit: 1.5 CLE credits available. Appropriate for newly admitted and experienced attorneys.

Introduction to Consumer Bankruptcy, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 3:00–5:00 PM via Zoom
Presented by: Sheldon Barasch, Supervising Attorney, DC37; and Bruce Weiner, Partner, Rosenberg, Musso & Weiner, LLP
CLE Credit: 2 CLE credits available. Appropriate for newly admitted and experienced attorneys.

Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Appointment of Vidya Dindiyal to Young Professionals Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 1, 2024

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

Brooklyn, New York –– Access Justice Brooklyn announces the appointment of a new member to its Young Professionals Board (YPB) following the organization’s Board meeting held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s YPB is Vidya Dindiyal, Associate, Thompson Coburn LLP. Upon her appointment, Vidya shared the following:

“I am thrilled to be elected to the YPB of Access Justice Brooklyn, an organization whose transformational and deeply systemic work and mission are integral to the advancement of civil rights for all New Yorkers. This work is near and dear to my heart.”

Vidya’s expertise and dedication to social justice are poised to introduce new perspectives and creative strategies to the organization. “We are excited to welcome Vidya to the YPB! Her combined professional experience, enthusiasm, and commitment to equal justice aligns perfectly with the vision and mission of Access Justice Brooklyn,” said Michelle Tuma and Lisa Zivkovic, Access Justice Brooklyn YPB co-chairs.

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 Board of Directors, driving an array of activities including community outreach and program expansion with a current focus on financial literacy, event planning and fundraising, and providing strategic guidance to the organization.

Vidya joins a 7-member Young Professionals Board including: Michelle D. Tuma, Winston & Strawn LLP, co-chair; Lisa V. Zivkovic, Ph.D, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, co-chair; Cooper Bellinson, Ares Management Corporation; Jacob Godshall, GIC; Keren Goldshlager, Meta; Aaron Kahen, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; and Wendy Li, BSE Global.

In Access Justice Brooklyn’s continuing strategic growth efforts, the organization currently seeks to add several new YPB members including dedicated and socially conscious young professionals with a deep commitment to access to justice and who bring innovative ideas and have a passion for helping underserved communities in Brooklyn. Strong leadership skills, a collaborative spirit, and a network of connections within the legal, corporate, or nonprofit sectors are highly valued.

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

###

Press Release: Access Justice Brooklyn Announces the Election of Alana Montas to Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 27, 2024

ACCESS JUSTICE 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 a new member to its Board of Directors following the organization’s meeting held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Joining Access Justice Brooklyn’s Board of Directors is Alana Montas, Counsel, Department of Enforcement at FINRA. Upon her election, Alana shared the following:

“I am delighted to be joining the Board of Access Justice Brooklyn, an organization dedicated to providing equal access to legal services across Brooklyn. As an experienced litigator, I helped pro bono clients navigate the many challenges of the legal system to obtain favorable results. I look forward to continuing to advocate for the Brooklyn community and advancing the mission of Access Justice Brooklyn.”

Access Justice Brooklyn thrives on the commitment of individuals like Alana who bring their expertise and compassion to the forefront.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Alana to the Access Justice Brooklyn Board. Throughout her career, Alana has had a significant impact intervening at pivotal moments to guide her pro bono clients through the legal system and change their lives for the better. Her dedication to her craft and compassion for others makes her an ideal member of the Board, and her passion for all things Brooklyn aligns perfectly with our mission. I can’t wait to begin working together in service of the Brooklyn community,” said Michael Watson, Secretary, Access Justice Brooklyn Board of Directors.

Alana joins a 21-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; Lisa Braun, PwC, Treasurer; Michael Watson, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Secretary; Jack Aldrich, BlackRock; Daniel Angel, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Elena Bonifacio, Google; Caroline Conway, Stonepeak; Akshay Dhiman, Lazard; Brian Fryd, Cornerstone Research; Adam B. Gilbert, Nixon Peabody LLP; Heidi Lee Henderson, Access Justice Brooklyn, President & CEO; Alexander Kaplan, Oppenheim + Zebrak, LLP; Colin Kelly, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; Mark Lande, Island Capital Group LLC; Trish Lilley, Thompson Coburn LLP; Samuel O. Maduegbuna, Maduegbuna Cooper LLP; Lee Popkin, Proskauer Rose LLP; Adam Shepherd, Macquarie Group; William Zichawo, Blackstone; Lauren Zimmerman, Selendy Gay PLLC.

Board recruitment efforts continue as Access Justice Brooklyn seeks diverse candidates – lawyers and cross industry professionals – who possess the combined values, dedication, expertise, networks, and skills needed to fulfill the organization’s mission, address evolving legal challenges, strengthen holistic programming, secure new stakeholders, and strategically 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 | 718-473-9209 | melissa@accessjusticebk.org

###