What We Do
Community and Economic Development
Brooklyn A is one of the few legal services programs in the country to develop a sustained, substantial practice representing community-based organizations in low- income neighborhoods. We represent grassroots groups that organize tenants, build affordable housing, expand access to health care, and establish community-run senior centers, schools and daycare facilities.
Brooklyn A partnered with the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center to build this branch in a medically underserved community near the Brownsville-East New York border.
Our local partnerships are longstanding, with most collaborations existing for two decades or more. These relationships enable Brooklyn A to serve as the legal catalyst fueling community-initiated projects that create critical infrastructure and improve the quality of life for struggling Brooklyn families.
Our Community and Economic Development/Group Representation Unit, based in our East Brooklyn office and led by General Counsel Paul Acinapura, works both as in-house and special project counsel to community-based organizations. Brooklyn A attorneys offer nonprofit clients ongoing, long-term representation that encompasses the full range of services that private sector corporations routinely receive from their corporate counsel.
Our attorneys act as counselors, negotiators, tacticians, strategists and troubleshooters. Examples of our services include: reviewing, drafting, and negotiating contracts; and representing clients in tax matters, real estate transactions, and administrative, licensing, and regulatory proceedings. We also engage in litigation on our clients' behalf when necessary.
Brooklyn A is an essential partner and advisor to local leaders
as they fulfill ambitious and strategic plans for neighborhood
revitalization. Through the work of our Community and
Economic Development team, grassroots organizations in North and East
Brooklyn that take a stand for social and economic justice are assured
of having committed Brooklyn A attorneys at their side.
We are proud of the many dynamic projects developed through our collaboration with community-based organizations. Learn more about these thriving institutions in our Community and Economic Development Docket.