News

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 29^th 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.

###

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

###

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