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