After 38 years of managing claims as an adjuster, manager or consultant, I finally retired. Now what do I do to fill my time? Dr. Phil, Oprah and Ellen were telling me every day that I wasn’t too old to be a productive member of society, but what skills could I bring to the table? I had been deposed, arbitrated, mediated, tried and won, tried and lost and shepherded my favorite case, Hooker v The State of California, to a victory in the California Supreme Court.
Paging through volunteer opportunities, I found the Hiscock Legal Aid Society in Syracuse, NY. My son had spent time early in his legal career as a public defender, so I thought I knew what I would find. I had some legal knowledge, I knew some attorneys, and I had spent years reading contracts, writing looong letters on coverage, and arguing with mediators and judges. I felt I could help somehow. This is the story of my visit to the Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLAS) and why I stayed.
After an interview with Assistant Director, Joanne Sawmiller, I was asked to report the next Tuesday. They hadn’t decided how to utilize me so I came in blind.
My first experience was in the reception area. I could have been in any of the law firms across the United States that I had frequented during my career. Not because of the décor, but the attitude and professionalism of the receptionists, Joan Tauro and Nikia Trice. Joan has been here 27 years and Nikia, a former HLAS client, joined the staff permanently after working here temporarily through the Jobs Plus program. They both speak of what they do with such enthusiasm and passion that I got chills. Nikia told me that when people come in the door, oftentimes their self worth is broken, but she can see the change in their stature from the moment she calls them ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am.’
Their goal is to let clients know from the very beginning that although they are not paying for counsel, they will not get second rate representation and that they will be treated with concern and respect. Joan and Nikia stress that everyone at HLAS works as a team and has a dedication to justice that is not constrained by a client’s social station, mental health, ethnic background, or financial means.
Their pride in the HLAS team and the services provided is clearly evident from the success stories that they share. Joan and Nikia both wanted to make it clear that no one leaves without some type of assistance. If someone seeking help does not fit within the parameters of the services of HLAS, they are directed to some agency or organization that can assist them.
I urge you to stop in sometime and hear their stories.
I started my volunteer work in the administrative offices assisting Director of Development, Helen Kelley. HLAS is a 501 (c) 3 and relies on support from government sources, corporations, foundation grants and individual donations. Too many people misunderstand the purpose and scope of a legal aid society just as I did. Helen’s job is to raise the profile of HLAS and make sure people understand its value.
We all learn the Pledge of Allegiance as little children and repeat it throughout our lives. HLAS is about the phrase, “…..and justice for all….” Too often we forget that this is one of the basic promises of our democracy and that we, as a nation and individuals, are responsible to uphold that pledge.
As I reviewed the list of names of individual donors I was struck by the low percentage of local firms and lawyers who support HLAS. Who better to understand these advocates of “Justice for ALL?” The lawyers I had worked with in the past had been very charitable and I was sure there was no difference in Syracuse; so I made it one of my goals to work with Helen to increase the participation by local attorneys to help maintain the equilibrium of the scales of Lady Justice. First, though I needed to learn more about the professionals who make up the legal team of HLAS and the work that they do.
The attorneys at Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLAS) are known as strong advocates for clients dealing with issues involving domestic abuse and violence, foreclosure, and evictions; and as dedicated legal advocates for cancer patients, immigrants, and refugees.
Linda Gehron, a prominent local attorney, says, “As an assigned counsel attorney who has represented parties and children in the Onondaga County Family Court just short of thirty years, I would like to say that I have noticed over the past few years the remarkable dedication and professionalism of the Legal Aid attorneys assigned to family court. When we are working together towards the outcome of a case, whether as opposing counsel, or not, I am very glad when they are "on my side", and know that I had better prepare my case well when their client's position opposes mine!”
They are the VOICE of the under served who have nowhere else to turn for assistance in escaping abusive situations, finding financial support and resolving custodial issues. This was not at all what I expected. Their clients are mostly working poor who are trying to avoid becoming dependent on social services.
I first met with Philip Rothschild, a Senior Attorney in the Appeals Program. He handles criminal and family court appeals for clients who meet HLAS’ financial guidelines. Phil has been with HLAS for 21 years. Talking to Phil is fascinating. Beyond all the ‘lawyer speak’ is a man who believes, “If we are successful for our clients, we are successful for society.”
I learned so much about criminal and family court appeals that my retired mind was spinning. Most importantly, Phil says that his job and that of the other appellate lawyers, Christine Cook, Kristen McDermott and Piotr Banasiak, is to insure that the system runs honestly, corners aren’t cut, and a person’s right to a fair trial is preserved. In other words, they strive to ensure that everyone along the path of the justice system does their job in order to feel as if they have successfully done theirs.
Appellate lawyers in private practice make a lot of money, so why is Phil here? He admits that as a private attorney, he didn’t like the billing process. But more importantly, at HLAS he has an opportunity to work on very interesting cases with colleagues who believe in the mission of the organization and for clients who are, by and large, grateful. To read 4th Department case summaries see Piotr’s blog at: http://hiscockappeals.blogspot.com/
Greg Dewan and Leah Witmer, two newer attorneys with the Civil Program, filled me in on the intricacies of evictions and foreclosures. These cases sometimes involve volatile situations when landlord and tenant face off in disputes. Clients faced with the prospect of losing their home are not really interested in the intricacies of the law. Greg and Leah and the other civil attorneys have to work within the legal system to search for the best resolution for their desperate clients, and this is often very challenging.
Despite holding open interviews for potential new clients three days a week, Greg and Leah and the other staff attorneys are often called upon at the last minute by those who seek help for the first time after receiving a 72 hour eviction notice.. Preparing all of the paper work for an eviction hearing takes more than half a day. It is often frustrating for these dedicated lawyers who realize that if they turn their backs on these people, they have no where else to go.
Yet how can they service all of these people? The organization’s staffing is largely dependent on grants and public funding. Some of their cases can last for years with continuous updated paperwork and appearances.
The Hiscock Legal Aid Society is also the only organization in Onondaga County that provides legal representation for victims of domestic violence. What some of these clients (mostly women) have experienced and endured is for many of us unimaginable. They often have children to support and protect yet face leaving perhaps the only financial security that they have known. The attorneys involved with HLAS’ Domestic Violence Project are able to assist with a full range of legal matters such as divorces, orders of protection, and custody agreements.
It is perhaps best to let one of their clients describe her experiences with HLAS. Elaina Leonardo tells her story at this link http://www.everson.org/visit/tickets.php?id=45. Elaina says with the Society’s assistance, she is finally able to enjoy a “safe, happy home filled with love and not fear.”
Hiscock Legal Aid Society is staffed by 25 full time attorneys who handle close to 5,000 cases a year. They are the primary provider of mandated representation of adults in Onondaga Family Court and handle more than 2,000 of these cases a year. In a private practice, an increase in clients is an increase in revenue. At the Legal Aid Society, an increase in clients means a scramble for funding.
So I visited Hiscock Legal Aid Society in June and I stayed. I suppose I will be here as long as they will have me. I would encourage you to visit your legal aid society and donate or help in any way.
The halls of justice have many pillars and each supports the other. This pillar needs your support. Please help.