Supervising Attorney-Misdemeanor Defense Program

Hiscock Legal Aid (HLA) seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney to serve as Supervising Attorney of our newly created Misdemeanor Defense Program. This new program is launching 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.

The Supervising Attorney will work under the direction of the Managing Attorney and help design and implement the program, supervise the team, and set practice standards. The program staff under the Managing Attorney and Supervising Attorney will be nine staff attorneys, a social worker, an
investigator, and four law assistants. The Supervising Attorney reports directly to the Managing Attorney and serves on the Program Management Team, helping shape program strategy, performance, training, and culture.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Directly supervising all aspects of misdemeanor and violation defense practice from arraignment
  through final disposition
• Overseeing attorney caseloads, assignments, and workflow
• Mentoring, training, and evaluating attorneys and staff
• Helping develop program policies and procedures
• Ensuring high-quality client representation and courtroom advocacy
• Building collaborative relationships with courts, stakeholders, and community partner

Admission in good standing to the New York Bar. 3+ 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.