News

Access Justice Brooklyn is pleased to welcome Lex Uttamsingh, our 2026–2028 Borchard Fellow. The fellowship is supported by the Borchard Center on Law & Aging, which works to advance the interests of older adults and support the next generation of attorneys committed to serving this community.

Lex earned their law degree from NYU School of Law in 2026 and brings a longstanding commitment to working with older adults. Before law school, they worked at DOROT, a nonprofit focused on alleviating social isolation among older adults. During law school, they advocated for older New Yorkers as an intern with New York Legal Assistance Group’s Elder Law Practice.

At AJB, Lex will work exclusively with older Brooklyn residents across several of our practice areas, including helping New Yorkers age 62 and older access the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and supporting older adults through our bankruptcy practice. Lex’s work focuses on helping older adults navigate financial pressures that can threaten their ability to remain in their homes and communities.

“As a Borchard Fellow at Access Justice Brooklyn, I have the pleasure of working exclusively with older Brooklyn residents. My work will span many of AJB’s practice areas, including enrolling people in the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption benefit. Increasingly, older adults are displaced from their longtime communities because of unaffordable rent hikes. By freezing older adults’ rent at its current rate, SCRIE can prevent this displacement and allow an older community member to stay in their home. The spirit of my work is to ease the financial strain that so many older Brooklyn residents feel. I’m thrilled to be a part of AJB’s team to do so.”

Lex has already begun making an impact. In their first week at AJB, they provided in-person testimony before the New York City Council on the importance of expanding income eligibility for SCRIE and the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE).

Earlier this year, New York State expanded SCRIE and DRIE income eligibility, and the City Council is considering legislation that would extend the expanded eligibility to New York City residents. AJB’s testimony supports raising the household income threshold from $50,000 to $75,000, helping make these critical rent protections available to more older New Yorkers.

Watch Lex’s testimony: Oversight Hearing on Freezing Rent for Senior and Disabled New Yorkers

We’re delighted to have Lex join the AJB team and look forward to the many ways they will contribute to our work advancing access to justice and helping older Brooklyn residents remain secure in their homes and communities.

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!

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.

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.

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.