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Hiscock Legal Aid Society Secures Contract to Provide Misdemeanor Defense Services in Syracuse City Court

Multi-Year Agreement Will Expand Access to Justice for Onondaga County Residents

SYRACUSE, NY – December 18, 2025 – The Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) announced today it has been awarded a multi-year contract to provide comprehensive legal representation for misdemeanor and violation cases in Syracuse City Court, significantly expanding the organization’s capacity to serve individuals in Syracuse. 

The contract will enable HLA to establish the Misdemeanor Defense Program and represent defendants in misdemeanor and violation proceedings in Syracuse City Court, from arraignment through final disposition. 

To implement the new program, HLA will add 17 total staff members, including 11 attorneys. The organization expects to begin handling cases with initial staff in spring 2026, with operations scaling throughout the fall to reach full capacity.

This expansion brings HLA’s total annual operating budget to just over $15 million and increases the organization’s total staff to 117 people, 76 of whom are attorneys—making it one of the largest legal aid providers in Central New York.

“This contract represents a transformational moment for justice in our community,” said Gregory W. Dewan, Executive Director of Hiscock Legal Aid Society. “By adding this critical misdemeanor defense capacity, we’re strengthening the constitutional promise of equal justice under the law for thousands of people who face criminal charges each year.”

Cameron Bernard, Board Chair of Hiscock Legal Aid Society, added: “This contract builds on HLA’s legacy and demonstrates the confidence our community has in our ability to provide excellent legal representation. Our Board is proud to support this expansion and the dedicated professionals who will serve our neighbors in their time of greatest need.”

Barry Shulman Honored for Lifelong Commitment to Justice and Community Service

Retired Attorney and Advocate to Be Recognized at Hiscock Legal Aid Society’s Justice For All Fundraising Event on September 17th

SYRACUSE, NY — September 8, 2025 — For nearly six decades, Barry Shulman has exemplified the ideals of fairness, mentorship, and public service. This September, his unwavering dedication to justice will be celebrated when he is formally honored at the 12th annual Justice For All breakfast, hosted by the Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLAS), on September 17th at 8:00 a.m. at Drumlins Country Club.

Shulman, a retired attorney whose legal and civic legacy spans law, mentorship, performance arts, and advocacy, has long been a champion of equal access to legal representation, especially for those unable to afford it.

“I’ve always believed that legal representation is not a privilege—it’s a fundamental right,” said Shulman. “Hiscock Legal Aid Society gives people a fighting chance during their most vulnerable moments. I’m honored and humbled to be recognized by an organization that truly lives that mission every day.”

After beginning his career at Mackenzie Hughes LLP, Shulman was appointed counsel to the New York State Senate Judiciary Committee, where he authored legislation to protect tenants and landlords alike and helped establish the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority.

He returned to Mackenzie Hughes in the final years of his practice, earning distinction as one of Central New York’s top business attorneys. He has been featured in Super Lawyers, admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, and honored by numerous civic organizations.

Shulman’s passion for justice extends beyond the courtroom. A tireless community advocate, he has held leadership roles with WCNY-TV, Temple Adath Yeshurun, the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, the United Way of Central New York, among others. His civic honors include the Temple Adath Yeshurun’s Citizen of the Year Award, the Jewish Community Center’s highest Kvod Gadol honor, and the Community of Color’s Richard Ellner Award of Hope.

“Barry is more than a great lawyer, he’s a mentor, a community builder, and an inspiration,” said Gregory Dewan, Executive Director at HLAS. “He embodies the spirit of our work, and his advocacy on behalf of those without a voice has made a lasting difference in this region.”

Shulman nurtures talent in unexpected places. He’s a tap dance instructor whose students have gone on to perform on Broadway. One of his proteges now directs the Front Row

Players, a nonprofit organization dear to the heart of Shulman, that nurtures and inspires dramatic performance in adults of all abilities.

“When Barry serves on the board of any nonprofit organization, you know it,” said Debrah Shulman, Barry’s wife and retired school psychologist and alcohol and drug abuse prevention education program counselor. “He pushes those organizations to achieve bigger and better things. No one advocates harder on behalf of bright young people or encourages them more to continue fulfilling their educational and professional potential. His passion for justice, community giving and mentoring speaks volumes about his belief in the potential of others and his strong support for organizations like the Hiscock Legal Aid Society.”

The Justice For All breakfast is free to attend and will feature powerful client stories. Donations are encouraged and support HLAS’s legal programs in immigration, family law, housing, and civil justice.

“Not only does Hiscock Legal Aid Society come with a team full of tremendous expertise and compassion, they deliver a really big impact to so many people in our community,” Shulman said. “Their clients’ needs are ever growing. Even if you choose not to donate at this breakfast, attending can help you better understand this organization’s much needed services and allow you to help others get the legal services they need if ever in a similar situation. Because that’s what it is all about — ensuring representation and justice for all. I’m a firm believer in the cause.” To register for the event or inquire about sponsorship, visit Givebutter.com/JFA25 or contact Jason Torreano at JTorreano@hlalaw.org.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Matthew Parry, Mower mparry@mower.com

315-413-4318

Hiscock Legal Aid Society to Host 12th Annual Justice For All Fundraising Event

Event to Honor Barry Shulman, Retired Attorney and Advocate, for His Lifelong Commitment to Justice and Community

SYRACUSE, NY — August 11, 2025 — The Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLAS) will host its 12th annual Justice For All breakfast, the organization’s premier fundraising and awareness event, at 8:00 a.m. on September 17th at Drumlins Country Club.

The one-hour, fast-paced program is free to attend with optional giving. Funds raised at the breakfast go to support HLAS’s legal services for the most vulnerable members of the community. With a staff of over 100, HLAS offers programs in immigration, family law, civil matters, and post-conviction appeals. The organization provides vital legal support in times of crisis, helping people protect their families, homes, rights, and livelihoods.

In the past 12 months alone, HLAS has handled 8,464 cases, benefiting 15,151 people overall.

“No one comes to us when life is going well,” said Dewan. “Things like child custody, divorce, eviction, job loss and immigration issues are never planned for, but we’re here to help when everything is on the line,” said Gregory Dewan, Executive Director of HLAS. “Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to justice, regardless of income or circumstance. Donations at this breakfast are worth their weight in gold because it gives us flexibility to address concerns that can occur to many people at once, like a sudden rise in unemployment during COVID.”

The Justice For All breakfast will also honor Barry Shulman, a retired attorney, former board member, mentor and community advocate, for his decades-long commitment to justice and public service.

“As a former board member and tireless supporter, Barry has pushed our organization to greater heights and has been one of our best promoters in spreading the word about Hiscock Legal Aid and justice in our community,” Dewan said. “He’s a tremendous lawyer who cares deeply about the community and we’re proud to recognize him as this year’s honoree. He’s a beacon of justice in Central New York.”

Attendees at the breakfast will hear inspiring stories from agency leadership and clients, spotlighting how HLAS removes barriers to success and advocates for fair legal representation every day. Past honorees have included influential judges, community leaders, and longtime leaders and supporters of the organization’s mission.

Shulman, who practiced law from 1966 to 2023, is a former member of the board of directors with Hiscock Legal Aid Society and has held leadership roles across many Central New York organizations, including WCNY-TV, Temple Adath Yeshurun, United Way, the Jewish Community Center, the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and Huntington Family Center.

A graduate of Cornell Law School and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Shulman also served as counsel to the New York State Senate Judiciary Committee and to Senator John Hughes. Beyond the courtroom, he’s known for mentoring future legal professionals and as a tap dance instructor with many students who went on to Broadway and national tours.

“If I wasn’t retired, I think this is the kind of law I’d like to practice,” said Shulman. “Not only does Hiscock Legal Aid Society come with a team full of tremendous expertise and compassion, they deliver a really big impact to so many people in our community. Their clients’ needs are ever growing. Even if you choose not to donate at this breakfast, attending can help you better understand this organization’s much needed services and allow you to help others get the legal services they need if ever in a similar situation. Because that’s what it is all about — ensuring representation and justice for all. I’m a firm believer in the cause.” To register for the event or inquire about sponsorship, visit Givebutter.com/JFA25 or contact Jason Torreano at JTorreano@hlalaw.org

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Matthew Parry, Mower

mparry@mower.com

315-413-4318

Hiscock Legal Aid Society celebrates 75 years

Hiscock Legal Aid Society 75th Anniversary

2024 marks a significant milestone for Hiscock Legal Aid Society as we proudly celebrate 75 years of providing vital legal services to people across Central New York. 

Since our founding in 1949, our commitment to ensuring justice for all has been unwavering. To commemorate this milestone, we held a special 75th anniversary edition of “Justice For All” on October 9th at Sky Armory. The event took attendees on a virtual tour of our mission and vision and shared some of the impact we’ve had across our community through personal testimonials.

During the celebration, we honored two exceptional leaders who have played instrumental roles in our organization: former CEO Susan Horn and former COO Joanne Sawmiller, who collectively dedicated decades of service to our work. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on Legal Aid and the lives of thousands of individuals we have served.

To highlight this journey, we partnered with Daylight Blue, a local marketing firm, to create a video that highlighted our mission. “The mission is to provide justice to those who may be denied it with legal counsel, so justice for all has always been the core of our mission and the core of our work,” said Greg Dewan, Executive Director of Legal Aid. “At the end of the day, it’s our clients who matter. They are the reason why we do this work.” 

At the heart of our organization has always been the clients we serve. One of those clients, Sandra Kirk, shared her personal journey with Justice For All attendees. Once homeless and facing a challenging situation involving her ex-husband, Sandra sought help for a criminal domestic case and a restraining order. “They gave me safety for me and my children,” said Kirk. “They gave us the ability to start all over after a horrific situation.” 

Each year, we handle approximately 9,000 cases, benefitting over 15,000 people who seek our assistance.

We defend. We empower. We collaborate. We promote justice for all.

Gregory W. Dewan, Esq. to become next Executive Director of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society.

Syracuse, NY, November 3, 2021 – The Board of Directors of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gregory W. Dewan, Esq. as the next Executive Director of the organization. Mr. Dewan succeeds current Executive Director Linda Gehron, Esq. who will retire at the beginning of 2022 following forty years in the legal profession, including a decade of service to HLA, five of them as Executive Director.  Ms. Gehron will return to private practice part time.

Under Ms. Gehron’s leadership, HLA grew its budget, staff and the number of people served in the CNY community.

“Linda departs an agency that is more multifaceted and agile than perhaps at any other point in its history,” said Conor Kirchner, Esq. Chair of the Board of Directors. “Under her leadership, the organization successfully pivoted to a variety of remote work environments to continue serving the community through the COVID-19 public health crisis. To do this, Ms. Gehron worked closely with Deputy Executive Director Gregory Dewan. Together, they positioned HLA for success amid a rapidly changing landscape to continue promoting justice for all across Central New York.”

Mr. Dewan, a CNY native and graduate of the University of Richmond and Emory University School of Law, first joined HLA as an intern in 2010. He was then hired and worked as a staff attorney, senior attorney, supervising attorney and managing attorney before becoming Deputy Executive Director in 2019.

This announcement comes following a nationwide search being conducted by a committee consisting of current and former members of the Board of Directors.

“It has been an honor to lead the Hiscock Legal Aid Society,” said Linda Gehron, Executive Director. “I leave this organization knowing that under Greg’s most capable leadership, it will continue doing what it has done so well since 1949: promoting justice for all.”

Virginia Hoveman, Esq. the immediate past Chair of the Board of Directors, served on the searching committee and echoes those sentiments.

“These past few years have tested the resolve of every organization,” said Hoveman. “Hiscock Legal Aid Society is no exception. Under the leadership of Linda Gehron and Gregory Dewan, the Hiscock Legal Aid Society navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, never closing its doors and continuing to serve CNY every single day. Credit for this goes to the entire staff at the Hiscock Legal Aid Society and the leadership of Linda and Greg. As we thank Linda for her service, her dedication and her leadership, we welcome Mr. Dewan to his new role and look forward to HLA’s next chapter.”

“I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to serve as the next Executive Director of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society,” said Gregory Dewan, incoming Executive Director. “As a lifelong resident of Central New York, it is particularly rewarding to be leading an organization I believe in, alongside people I believe in, to fulfill a critical mission ensuring access to justice for all in our community.”

Ms. Gehron will retire January 31, 2022. Mr. Dewan assumes his new role February 1, 2022.

For more information: hlalaw.org.

Copyright © 2021. Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society. All rights reserved.

HLA receives funding from New York Bar Foundation

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The New York Bar Foundation recently presented the Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society(HLA) with a grant of $9,159 .  The grant will be used to support Diversity Fellowships to support COVID-19 related case increases.  

“This New York Bar Foundation funding gives HLA an opportunity to hire paid interns to  assist with pandemic related increases in legal needs,” said Linda Gehron, Executive Director. “Promoting justice for all requires many groups working together. We are proud and grateful to have the support of the New York Bar Foundation to further our mission.”

Foundation grants assist non-profit organizations with essentials-of-life issues such as child support, consumer debt, housing, access to health care and education, and family matters such as domestic violence and family stability.  Added this year was a focus on COVID-19 related issues, and racial justice impacted programming needs.

“The New York Bar Foundation has allocated nearly $700,000 in grants to 107 programs across New York significantly increasing the total number of grants over the past several years,” said Lucia Whisenand, chair of the Grant Review Committee.  “The issues we touch on are extensive and impact people in life changing ways.”

By raising awareness of the need for access to civil legal services and allocating resources to help meet these needs, the Foundation will help make access to justice a reality for New Yorkers and, thereby, enhance the understanding of and respect for the rule of law.

“Through our grant-making program we help improve access to justice by providing seed grants to innovative legal projects piloting new ways to help those in need,” adds June Castellano, Vice-chair of the Grant Review Committee.  “When you give to the Foundation you help make a difference across New York State.”

At a time when the help of legal services organization is in great demand, the Foundation has established a COVID-19 Emergency Legal Relief Fund. Donations to the fund will assist New Yorkers across New York State in need of legal services due to the impacts of COVID-19 through their grant program.  Donations can be made at www.tnybf.org and selecting the COVID-19 Legal Relief Fund in the drop-down window. 

The New York Bar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the charitable arm of the New York State Bar Association.  Established in 1950, the Foundation is dedicated to aiding charitable and educational projects to meet the law-related needs of the public and the legal profession.   

To learn more about the Foundation visit www.tnybf.org or email Deborah Auspelmyer dauspelmyer@tnybf.org.

Wynetta Devore Memorial Fund

The Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) mourns the loss of former Board Member Dr. Wynetta Devore who passed away in December 2020. 

Dr. Devore spent her life in the service of others. Born in North Carolina and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Devore received an undergraduate degree from Hope College in Michigan and her master’s and doctorate from Rutgers. She found a myriad of ways to serve the communities she cared about throughout her life, one that took her to London, England, Cape Town, South Africa and Syracuse, New York, where she served on our Board for many years. 
 
Legal Aid has set up a “Wynetta Devore Memorial Fund” to honor her time with our organization. Funds raised from this will allow HLA to re-imagine the agency’s wrap around social services, something critically important for many clients and something Dr. Devore was very passionate about. Additionally  funds will give Legal Aid flexibility as we continue to do the important work of meeting clients where they are at, and promoting justice for all. 
 
“Dr. Devore exemplifies what it means to be a trailblazer,” said Executive Director Linda Gehron. “She was naturally curious, compassionate and she made our Board, and by extension, our organization, stronger because she was a part of it.” 
 
“Whether it was supporting students in London, collaborating with township residents in Cape Town, or providing insight to the Hiscock Legal Aid Society Board, Dr. Devore did so with her whole heart,” said Board Chair Conor Kirchner. “Her legacy of social justice will continue through the work of HLA.” 
 

2020 Justice For All Virtual Event

Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) is proud to have promoted justice for all since our founding in 1949. We are grateful to be a part of the Central New York community, and to be recognized as a trusted source for legal assistance to those in need.
For the past seven years, our organization has celebrated our mission through the annual Justice For All fundraiser (JFA). As you may know, JFA shares how we’ve served our local community through our civil, family court, appeals, parole and immigration programs. 
Usually, we host it at Drumlins. 
 
This year is different.
2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, HLA has also had to grapple with unprecedented challenges.
 
In March, when the COVID-19 impacted the world and our local communities, HLA transitioned to an entirely remote work environment for serving our clients in a safe and efficient manner. We continued to provide uninterrupted services to those in our communities.
 
This year, we will be hosting a one-hour virtual JFA event on Wednesday October 21, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST. We have partnered with local bakeries Glazed & Confused and Crave Dessert Studio and created a precursor “Walk (or Run!) for Justice Alone, Together!” to build camaraderie.
We hope you are able to join us for our annual JFA. 
How to be involved? 
 
1. RSVP and find out more at our Givebutter page. 
 
2.  You can also support our mission by making a donation at hlalaw.org or send a check to Hiscock Legal Aid Society at 351 South Warren St. Syracuse, NY 13202

HLA statement on current protests

We believe.  
 
We believe in promoting justice for all. We’ve done this work for more than 70 years in the Central New York community and we’re still going strong.   
 
We echo the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” 
 
We embrace our commitment to promote anti-racist spaces free of hate, intolerance and bigotry where all can live and thrive.
 
We remember the words of Nelson Mandela who said: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” 
 
We know systemic racism and generational trauma are real, and we believe we can – and we must – do better.
 
We stand with those peacefully protesting against police brutality, racism, and injustice.
 
We affirm our commitment to our mission: The Hiscock Legal Aid Society promotes the fundamental right of every person to equal justice under the law by providing high quality legal assistance to individuals and families in need in Onondaga County and the surrounding region. 

THE HISCOCK LEGAL AID SOCIETY IS STILL OPEN & CONTINUES TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES

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Unemployment insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. If you have been laid off or terminated from your employment, have had to quit your job or are unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have questions about whether you are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits or how to apply. Please contact our office at (315) 218-0141. We have attorneys ready to advise clients about filing an unemployment insurance claim or to represent you at a hearing if you are denied unemployment insurance benefits.

During the changing public health landscape as a result of COVID-19. 

Court is still open to hear emergency custody matters, orders of protection and emergency child protective proceedings. If you are seeking an order of protection, have an urgent, emergency custody, visitation, or child protective matter and you already have an open file with us, please reach out to your attorney directly. If you are not already assigned an attorney from our office and are seeking our assistance, please call us at 315-218-0141.

Beginning March 18, 2020, the Hiscock Legal Aid Society began serving clients in all practice areas through telephone and email only.

Please contact staff at the following numbers:

Appeals 315-218-0168
Divorce and UIB 315-218-0141
Family Court 315-218-0198
Foreclosure 315-218-0145
Immigration (English) 315-218-0196
Immigration (Spanish) 315-218-0152
Landlord Tenant 315-218-0141
Parole 315-218-0153
General Intake 315-218-0141

General Intake (Spanish) 315-218-0105

Our attorneys will continue to appear in court for all scheduled cases.

Now, more than ever, our staff is ready to assist you. Please do not hesitate to call.

Please visit our Facebook Page for more information.

Click here to see our Facebook post

 

 

HLA Recognized by Omega Psi Phi

Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) was honored to be given a special recognition award by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on February 6, 2020. 

HLA received this honor at the fraternity’s annual Dennis Dowdell dinner and scholarship reception at Embassy Suites in Syracuse. Omega Psi Phi holds the dinner each year as a way to celebrate Black History Month. 

“We are humbled and grateful to have Hiscock Legal Aid Society recognized in this way,” said Linda Gehron, Executive Director, President and C.E.O. “Indeed,  the mission of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society and the work being done locally by Omega Psi Phi members are aligned as we are both focused on adding value and serving the community we all share.” 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is our great pleasure to accept this award,” said Conor Kirchner, Board Chair. “While it’s no secret that the central New York community has its share of challenges, organizations like Hiscock Legal Aid Society and Omega Psi Phi work diligently to level the playing field.” 

Omega Psi Phi fraternity is an international historically African-American Greek-letter fraternity with more than 750 undergraduate and graduate chapters across the nation, including at Syracuse University.

 

Lucero Saldana Mistry promoted

Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Lucero Saldana Mistry to Supervising Attorney of HLA’s immigration program.

Lucero, born in Lima, Peru, moved to Florida as an infant. She lived in Hollywood, FL and attended high school there before doing undergraduate work in Boca Raton. She then attended Florida Coastal School of Law. 

Lucero said when she was young she wanted to practice immigration law as she went through the process herself. When she grew a bit older, her thinking evolved and she began to lean toward Family Law though she says that when she graduated, she found that the demand for immigration attorneys was high and the fact that she was fluent in both English and Spanish made her well suited for immigration work. 

She moved to New York State in 2016 and has been working with Hiscock Legal Aid Society since that time. 

“I went through the process myself,” said Lucero. “I came here without status and I went through the whole system so I understand the stressors involved and I want to help people for those reasons.”

Kristen McDermott promoted

Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen McDermott to Co-Supervising Attorney of HLA’s Appeals Program where she co-supervises with Phillip Rothschild. 

Kristen has been with HLA for nearly a decade, beginning as a staff attorney  in 2010 before being promoted a few years later to Senior Attorney in HLA’s appeals program. 

She attended Cardozo School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor. 

Before arriving at HLA, Kristen gained valuable experience working with the New York City Human Resource Administration and the Innocence Project. 

Her tenure at Hiscock Legal Aid has been marked by significant victories both in the 4th Department and the Court of Appeals.

2019 Justice For All Breakfast

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Please join Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLA) for our annual Justice For All breakfast October 16, 2019 at Drumlins.

Over the course of the one hour event, we’ll provide you with breakfast and take you on a virtual tour of our mission and vision through compelling short stories from agency leadership, members of the Board of Directors and clients we’ve served.

“Justice For All is another opportunity for us to showcase our mission to people in the community,” said Linda Gehron, Executive Director. “Promoting justice for all requires commitment, collaboration and support from our friends across Central New York. This is a day that honors our clients, as well as our friends, who make our mission come to life.”

HLA will also present the 2019 Justice For All Award to Judge Langston C. McKinney.

Register for the free event at: https://whoozin.com/jfa

Langston C. McKinney JFA Awardee

HLA + Syracuse Stage – 12 Angry Men

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On October 10, 2019 join leadership from Hiscock Legal Aid Society for a pre-show reception and performance of 12 Angry Men.

Our networking evening begins at 6 p.m. featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by the show. Register via this link no later than September 29 to have a portion of your ticket sales donated to the Hiscock Legal Aid Society.

The reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m.

A portion of your ticket price supports the work of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society. 

We’re expanding.

The NYS Office for New Americans has awarded the Hiscock Legal Aid Society a substantial amount of new funding that will allow HLA to dramatically expand the size and scope of its immigration legal services in 2019.

“For years, in communities around the nation including here in Central New York, there has been a crushing, unmet need for this sort of representation,” said Linda Gehron, Executive Director, President and C.E.O. “With this additional funding, we can serve more people and help them emerge from the periphery of society to contribute to our community more fully, and without fear.”

Hiscock Legal Aid continues to collaborate with the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County (OnVLP). OnVLP will assist with supporting this project in CNY and in the North Country.

The expanded services are slated to begin in May.

Read more about this in the press release issued by the New York State Governor’s Office:

Governor Cuomo Announces Selection of 19 Full-Time Immigration Attorneys to Help Immigrants Across State

GOVERNOR.NY.GOV

HLA is proud to stand with Vera House, Inc. and support its White Ribbon Campaign.

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According to Vera House, “the White Ribbon Campaign is led by men and encourages all members of the community to join them in their efforts. This male leadership helps to acknowledge the important contributions men have made in ending violence against women and invites others to take a role.”

We defend. We empower. We collaborate. We promote justice for all.

HLA is pleased to announce the following staff promotions

Congratulations are in order for the promotions of the following HLA staff members:

Gregory W. Dewan, Esq.

Gregory W. Dewan, Esq. has been promoted to the position of Deputy Executive Director & Vice President. A graduate of Emory University School of Law, Mr. Dewan says the collaborative passion that his colleagues bring to work each day is the best part of his job.

Nicole E. Talev, Esq.

Nicole E. Talev, Esq. has been promoted to Managing Attorney of Civil and Family Court Programs. She is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo Law School and notes her favorite part of working at HLA is “being surrounded by others who share my passion and dedication for achieving the best outcome possible for our clients.”

Tara L. Trammell, Esq.

Tara L. Trammell, Esq. has been promoted to Supervising Attorney in the Family Court Program. Tara attended Syracuse University for her undergraduate degree where she also played basketball. She went on to get her law degree from SU College of Law. Tara has been with HLA since 2009, working for both Family Court and Civil Programs and providing leadership in our domestic violence projects.

Danielle Blackaby, Esq.

Danielle Blackaby, Esq.  has been promoted to the position of Senior Attorney for her excellent Family Court appeals work. She has been extremely hard-working and highly successful with her work. She graduated with a BA in Political Science from Gettysburg College in 2011 and went on to receive her JD from Syracuse University College of Law in May 2016.

Alexa D. Parcell, Esq.

Alexa D. Parcell, Esq. is originally from Austin, Texas but Syracuse has been home since she graduated from Syracuse University College of Law. She’s been promoted to Senior Attorney and notes that “being able to advocate for those in our community who otherwise would not be able to have representation” is her favorite part of working at HLA.

Amanda M. McHenry, Esq.

Amanda M. McHenry will continue to serve as a Supervising Attorney for the Family Court Program including our Parent Defense practice that handles Article 10, TPR and Child Support cases. Amanda will also serve as our OVS Project Attorney, representing victims of domestic violence who face neglect charges.

Amanda Higuchi, LMSW

HLA is proud to announce that Amanda Higuchi, LMSW has passed her licensing exams in February. Amanda grew up in LaFayette, NY and received her BSW from Keuka College. She graduated from Syracuse University in May 2018 with her Masters in Social Work.

Nickie Trice promoted to Client Services Coordinator

Hiscock Legal Aid Society is proud to announce the promotion of Nickie Trice to the position of Client Services Coordinator.

Ms. Trice is the first face many people see when coming to our offices and her interactions are marked by professionalism and compassion.

Ms. Trice has been with HLA since 2009 when she joined as an intern through the Jobs Plus program. After her internship, she was offered a job as receptionist, then promoted to senior receptionist before assuming her new role as client services coordinator.

Congratulations, Nickie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASP is Back.

Cancer Legal Advocacy and Services Project Re-opens

On June 1, Hiscock Legal Aid Society and Legal Services of Central New York reopened the Cancer Legal Advocacy and Services Project (CLASP), a collaborative partnership between the two legal services providers.

Since its inception in 2006, CLASP had been funded by the New York State Department of Health.  In May 2017, the Department of Health abruptly eliminated funding.

With generous support from the Allyn Family Foundation, Saint Agatha Foundation, Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York, and Dr. Jeffrey Kirshner, as well as numerous donors from HLAS’s Justice for All fundraising program, LSCNY and HLAS were delighted to officially reopen CLASP  June 1, 2018.

“CLASP empowers cancer patients, ensures their access to medical treatment, and improves their quality of life by offering free civil legal services to individuals and their families who are going through what is often one of the scariest periods of their lives,” said Linda Gehron, President and C.E.O. “We are most grateful to be able to again offer this valuable program with our colleagues at LSCNY, the lead partner in this effort.”

CLASP offers comprehensive legal services, including: lifetime planning (power of attorney, healthcare proxy and living will, last will and testament, future care of minor children); access to healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare, private insurance, medical debt); income maintenance (SNAP, public assistance, disability benefits); family law (guardianship, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, divorce and separation agreement); employment (unemployment insurance benefits, medical leave, disability accommodations); and housing preservation/eviction prevention.

Low-income individuals and families affected by cancer should contact CLASP at 315-703-6599 to request free legal assistance.

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