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.”