Managing Attorney - Misdemeanor Defense Program

About Hiscock Legal Aid: Hiscock Legal Aid (HLA), founded in 1949, is a non-profit agency located in Syracuse, New York. 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.

About the Position: Hiscock Legal Aid (HLA) seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney to serve as Managing Attorney of our newly created Misdemeanor Defense Program. This new program will launch in early 2026 thanks to a contract from Onondaga County and will provide comprehensive representation from arraignment through final disposition to individuals charged with misdemeanors and violations in Syracuse City, including traffic court and problem-solving courts. Syracuse City Court handles approximately 2,100 misdemeanor and violation cases per year.

This is a unique leadership opportunity. The Managing Attorney will design and implement the program, supervise a team, and set practice standards. The program staff under the Managing Attorney will include a supervising attorney, nine staff attorneys, a social worker, an investigator, and four law assistants.

The Managing Attorney reports directly to the Executive Director and serves on the Executive Management Team, helping shape program strategy, performance, training, and culture.

Responsibilities: Including but not limited to:

• Overseeing all aspects of misdemeanor and violation defense practice from arraignment through final disposition
• Managing attorney caseloads, assignments, and workflow
• Mentoring, training, and evaluating attorneys and staff
• Developing program policies and procedures
• Ensuring high-quality client representation and courtroom advocacy
• Building collaborative relationships with courts, stakeholders, and community partners
• Participating in budgeting, staffing, and reporting as part of the Executive Management Team

Qualifications: Admission in good standing to the New York Bar. 5+ years of criminal defense experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to mentor and train attorneys. Strong written and oral advocacy skills. Commitment to helping people in need and client-centered representation. 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.

Salary Transparency: $115,000 to $135,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits: Excellent fringe benefits include generous paid vacation, sick, and personal leave totaling more than 30 days per year; minimum of 14 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.

Work-Life Balance: 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.

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.

Pay: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person