Attorney - Family Court Program

About the Position

HLA seeks dedicated and client-centered attorneys to join our growing Family Court Program. Attorneys make frequent court appearances, including hearings and trials, and provide direct legal representation to adults, typically parents, in custody and visitation, order of protection, child support violation, abuse and neglect, and paternity proceedings. The positions are supported by new funding that strengthens staffing and resources, enabling attorneys to devote greater time and attention to each case and client. Attorneys receive guidance and support from a supervising attorney and work alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes a social worker, client resource specialist, parent advocate, and dedicated law assistants.

Attorneys will manage an active caseload, maintain consistent communication with clients, conduct legal research, negotiate with opposing counsel, and advocate zealously in court. This role requires a strong commitment to public defense and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse and often vulnerable populations.

About Hiscock Legal Aid

Hiscock Legal Aid (HLA), founded in 1949, is a non-profit agency located in Syracuse, New York, a mid-sized city with a high quality of life, reasonable cost of living, and access to outdoor recreation, cultural amenities, and major metropolitan areas. Committed to promoting equal justice under the law, HLA is a primary provider of legal services for low-income individuals in Central New York. Learn more about our mission at www.hlalaw.org.

Pay

Total annual compensation of $86,000 to $110,000 for attorneys admitted to New York Bar depending on candidate qualifications and experience, and $76,000 for law graduates awaiting admission, with $5,000 of the annual compensation being a stipend for being in the Family Court Program.

Benefits

• Excellent fringe benefits include generous paid vacation, sick, personal, and hourly leave totaling more than 30 days per year;
• numerous paid holidays per year;
• health, dental, life, and vision insurance;
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match;
• reduced membership to the YMCA of CNY;
• $100 monthly parking/transportation stipend;
• reimbursement for bi-annual attorney registration and other professional fees;
• eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Work-Life Balance

Standard office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, staff may take advantage of summer hours with a 4:00 pm end time.

Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar, or licensed in another state with ability to obtain pro hac vice status while awaiting admission in New York, preferred.
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
• Commitment to helping people in need.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Diverse economic, social, and/or cultural experiences welcomed.
• Sense of humor strongly appreciated.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Gregory W. Dewan, Esq., Executive Director, at [email protected].