Get to know the top legal recruiters in Syracuse who help attorneys connect with firms and employers across Central New York. With the Legal Recruiter Directory, candidates and employers can access a trusted list of boutique recruiters as well as larger firms serving the Syracuse legal market.
Schoen Legal Search
Schoen Legal Search is a leading legal recruiting firm serving the New York City metro area. We specialize in partner placements and placing top attorneys with prestigious law firms and corporate legal departments. With over 30 years of experience, we provide personalized, strategic guidance to ensure the right fit for both candidates and employers.
Job Opportunities
Syracuse offers a well-diversified legal job market with opportunities in both public and private sectors. Local law firms routinely hire for positions in litigation (civil, personal injury, insurance defense), corporate and transactional law, real estate, health law, labor & employment, and criminal defense.
There are also roles in governmental offices (city, county, state), public interest organizations, legal services for low-income clients, and in-house counsel roles with regional businesses. While many high-specialty or high-profile roles gravitate toward larger metro markets like Buffalo or New York City, Syracuse remains a strong regional center with regular hiring, especially for attorneys who want a mix of impactful work and lower cost of living.
The average lawyer salary in Syracuse is roughly $104,624 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, firm size, practice area, and whether the employer is public sector or private practice.
Professional development and networking opportunities in Syracuse include:
- Onondaga County Bar Association (OCBA): Offers continuing legal education, lawyer referral services, and networking among local practitioners.
- Legal Services of Central New York (LSCNY): Employs staff attorneys, offers public interest work, and opportunities to engage with underserved communities.
- Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Hiscock Legal Aid, and other pro bono organizations: These provide opportunities for attorneys to take on pro bono work, build reputation, expand legal experience, and give back to the community.
Requirements to Practice Law
To be admitted and licensed to practice law in Syracuse (i.e. in New York State), you must:
- Graduate with a J.D. (or equivalent) from an ABA-approved law school (or meet equivalent requirements under the Court of Appeals rules).
- Meet eligibility under Court of Appeals Rule 520 (or comparable path) to take the bar exam, including satisfying educational prerequisites (e.g. credit hours, law school curriculum) or combining law school plus law office/clinic study.
- Pass the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) as administered in New York.
- Complete the New York Law Course (NYLC) and pass the New York Law Exam (NYLE) (a state-specific requirement) prior to admission.
- Pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) with the required minimum score set by New York.
- Satisfy the Skills Competency & Professional Values requirement, demonstrating practical and ethical lawyering skills via academic or experiential pathways.
- Successfully pass the character and fitness evaluation, including background review, affidavits, and any required interviews by the appropriate Appellate Division.
- If applicable, apply for admission on motion (reciprocity) without examination, permitted for attorneys who have practiced for five of the preceding seven years, graduated from an ABA law school, and satisfy other requirements.
- After certification (i.e. passing exams and review), file for admission with the appropriate Department of the Appellate Division (based on residence or employment) and take the oath of office.
- Maintain biennial registration with the New York Office of Court Administration and comply with mandatory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements (16 credits/year for first two years, then 24 credits per cycle) as per New York’s reporting cycle.
Why Syracuse?
Syracuse delivers a compelling mix of affordability, character, and year-round variety that makes it attractive for attorneys and their families. The cost of living is 39% lower than the New York State average and just 3% above the national average, offering a balance of amenities and affordable housing.
Popular neighborhoods include Westcott, Eastwood, Tipp Hill, Strathmore, Meadowbrook, Sedgwick, and the University district, each offering walkability, historic charm, or proximity to city resources. Parks like Burnet Park and Onondaga Park, along with lakeside trails, add to the city’s livability.
Cultural life is vibrant, with downtown galleries, theaters, and music venues, plus attractions such as the Landmark Theatre, the MOST science museum, Destiny USA, and the Erie Canal Museum. Festivals and revitalized historic districts further enhance quality of life.
Syracuse also enjoys four distinct seasons: warm summers, crisp autumns, snowy winters, and refreshing springs. Proximity to the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, and local parks provides abundant opportunities for hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation.
In short, Syracuse offers lower costs than downstate New York, diverse neighborhoods, and a rich cultural and outdoor lifestyle, making it a strong choice for attorneys seeking both career and quality of life.
Employers
Competition for legal talent is fierce. Gain the advantage and hire with confidence.
Candidates
Your next big opportunity is here.
We can help you find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Syracuse benefits from a steady candidate pipeline fueled by Syracuse University College of Law and graduates from other New York law schools who remain in the region. The candidate pool is not as deep as in New York City or Buffalo, but it is consistent, with a good balance of new attorneys, mid-level practitioners, and experienced lawyers rooted in Central New York. Many candidates are drawn to Syracuse for its affordability and quality of life, which supports long-term retention.
Yes. The local market reflects Syracuse’s role as a regional hub for Central New York. There is consistent demand for attorneys in litigation, healthcare law, real estate, family law, and employment law. In-house opportunities also exist with regional healthcare systems, universities, and growing businesses. While the largest corporate deals and BigLaw roles are concentrated in New York City, Syracuse maintains a steady demand for attorneys who can support regional industries and municipal needs.
The outlook is positive, with stable demand projected across healthcare, education, government, and mid-sized firms. As remote and hybrid work models remain relatively popular, Syracuse could also benefit from lawyers who want to live in an affordable city with cultural amenities while practicing for firms or clients based elsewhere in New York State. The city’s ongoing economic development and revitalization projects are likely to sustain a need for legal expertise in real estate, commercial transactions, and municipal law.
For candidates, nearby markets such as Rochester, Albany, and Utica provide additional opportunities, particularly for those interested in expanding their practice areas or joining larger firms. Buffalo and New York City offer broader options in corporate, finance, and high-stakes litigation, though competition is higher. Many attorneys in Syracuse explore hybrid arrangements with downstate or larger-city firms while maintaining their base in Central New York for lifestyle and cost advantages.
Employers in Syracuse can look to Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany for additional pools of experienced attorneys. Syracuse University and other New York law schools also provide strong entry-level candidates. For highly specialized roles, recruiting from New York City firms or even leveraging hybrid arrangements can help attract top talent seeking a more affordable lifestyle. This combination of local retention and broader outreach allows Syracuse employers to fill both general practice and specialized positions effectively.
