Attorney-Civil Program

ATTORNEY – CIVIL PROGRAM 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 law.org.

Hiscock Legal Aid (HLA) seeks dedicated and client-centered attorneys to join our growing Civil Program, which focuses on ensuring the essentials of life for people in need in Onondaga County and the surrounding region. Attorneys in the Civil Program provide direct representation to clients primarily in divorce, custody/visitation, and order of protection matters, with a focus on representation from pre-filing through final disposition.

Attorneys also provide representation to people in unemployment insurance benefits administrative hearings. Attorneys receive guidance from supervising attorneys and are supported by a team of 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 representation and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse and often vulnerable populations.

Base salary of $81,000 to $105,000 annually for all attorneys admitted to New York Bar depending on candidate qualifications and experience. Law graduates awaiting admission to the Bar and eligible for a practice order start at $71,000 annually and receive a $10,000 salary increase upon admission.

• 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
• and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Enjoy standard office hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from Memorial Day until Labor Day staff can frequently take advantage of summer hours and leave at 4:00 pm. However, attorneys occasionally need to work outside these hours to fulfill professional obligations.

In a typical week, attorneys must be in office the equivalent of 3 full days each week, and can work from home up to the equivalent of two full days if professional obligations allow.

Hiscock Legal Aid is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply.

Admission in good standing to the New York Bar or expected eligibility for admission no later than January 2027. Strong courtroom presence and litigation skills. Both written and oral advocacy skills. Commitment to helping people in need. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Diverse economic, social, and/or cultural experiences. A sense of humor is strongly appreciated.