Bakari Lee

Bakari G. Lee’s primary practice area is special counsel services for affordable housing transactions, involving low and moderate income housing tax credits, the Rental Assistance Demonstration program and other federal, state and local funding programs, for public housing agencies and private developers alike. Bakari also serves as the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer. Bakari currently serves as Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Council (AHAC) of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (Bank). The AHAC plays a crucial role in guiding the Bank's efforts to support affordable housing initiatives and address the housing needs of communities within its district. Bakari has served as Vice Chair to the Board of Trustees for Hudson County Community College and Chaired its Finance Committee for many years, among other committees. Bakari transitioned from the HCCC board in June, 2024 and was appointed Trustee Emeritus. Nationally, Bakari served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). He also served as Chairman of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC). Bakari was also awarded an honorary Associate of Arts degree by Atlantic Cape Community College for his work in the community college sector. Bakari has given commencement speeches at Warren County Community College, Bergen Community College and Atlantic Cape Community College. Prior to joining McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, in 2003, Bakari was a law clerk for the Honorable Darryl Dean Donohue of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands – St. Croix Division. Before joining the Territorial Court, he was a Senior Financial Analyst in the Animal Health Division of Pfizer, Inc. in positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately supporting the division’s business development and strategic planning initiatives. Bakari is active in several social and civic organizations. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and a Past Basileus (President) of the Jersey City Chapter. Bakari is also the Volunteer Program Administrator for the Morristown Neighborhood House Rites of Passage Program. He is also the proud recipient of the 2015 Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young Service Award and was recognized in 2018 by the New Jersey Chapter of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association as an “Alumni Making a Difference”.