The Langston C. McKinney Social Justice Fellowship
Empowering the Next Generation of Justice Leaders
What We Mean By Social Justice
The Langston C. McKinney Fellowship creates a position designed to focus on ensuring justice for people and communities who are systematically disadvantaged due to economic hardship. It encompasses a wide range of legal issues that impact the daily lives and fundamental rights of low-income individuals, including access to housing, healthcare, employment, voting, and equal protection under the law. Attorneys in this field use litigation, policy advocacy, and community engagement to challenge unjust systems and promote equity.
About The Program
This is a two year fellowship for recent law graduates working as a staff attorney at Legal Services of Central New York. This is a full time salaried position and is designed to prepare emerging attorneys to become practice-ready public interest advocates through immersive legal training, mentorship, and leadership development. Practice areas you may work in include:
- Civil Rights
- Immigration Law
- Housing and Tenants’ Rights
- Prisoners’ Rights
- Voting Rights
- Employment Discrimination
- Criminal Justice
- Healthcare Rights
Honoring Judge Langston C. McKinney
The Langston C. McKinney Social Justice Fellowship proudly honors the legacy of Judge Langston McKinney, a trailblazer whose life and career were rooted in justice, community, and service.
Born in Miami, Florida in 1944, Langston McKinney graduated from Howard University in 1965 with a degree in Chemistry. Recruited by Carrier Corporation, he relocated to Syracuse, NY, becoming the first Black scientist in their research and development division. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he returned to Syracuse in 1968 to attend Syracuse University College of Law.
While in law school, Langston McKinney co-founded the Syracuse chapter of the Law Students Civil Rights Research Council (LSCRRC) and spent the summer as a LSCRRC intern in the South working on civil rights legal matters—an experience that fueled his lifelong passion for justice. He also began working at Onondaga Neighborhood Legal Services (ONLS), where he first witnessed the deep legal needs of people trapped in poverty. After several organizational expansions, ONLS would one day become what we are today – Legal Services of Central New York. This work sharpened his focus on justice, equality, and the power of law to transform lives.
After graduating law school, he began his legal career as a staff attorney at ONLS. He received the prestigious Reginald Heber Smith fellowship “Reggie”, and worked as a Reggie Fellow for two years. At ONLS he became a champion for tenants’ rights. He was later honored with the naming of McKinney Manor, a local housing complex. He went on to work at the Hiscock Legal Aid Society, building a strong reputation as a criminal defense attorney. Eventually, he co-founded Maye, McKinney & Melchor, the first Black law firm in Syracuse.
In 1986, Judge McKinney broke barriers when he was appointed by Mayor Tom Young as the first Black Syracuse City Court Judge. He was elected in 1987 and re-elected in 1997 and 2007. One of his proudest achievements was partnering with the Center for Community Alternatives to help establish the Syracuse Community Treatment Court, a restorative justice initiative addressing substance use disorders.
Though he retired in 2010, Judge McKinney remained deeply engaged in justice work. He helped found the William Herbert Johnson Bar Association, Onondaga County’s first African American bar association.
Judge McKinney’s enduring legacy continues to inspire. This fellowship seeks to carry forward his commitment to justice, equity, and mentorship for the next generation of Social Justice attorneys.
How To Apply
Please send your resume and a brief essay about your commitment to social justice, subject line “Langston C. McKinney Fellowship” to:
Director of Human Resources
Legal Services of Central New York
221 South Warren St. Suite 300
Syracuse NY, 13202
Email: hiring@lscny.org
Salary/Benefits: Starting salaries for a New York admitted attorney range from $80,000 to $110,540 depending on experience. We have an excellent benefits package and generous leave policy. LSCNY pays for bar memberships, attorney registration, and training opportunities, including Mandatory Continuing Legal Education courses.
Four-Day Work Week. In a bold and innovative move, LSCNY staff will work a 32-hour, four-day week. While maintaining high quality legal services to clients and the passion for our mission, the cutting-edge environment will positively affect staff work-life balance, retention, and recruiting.
Additional information about our hiring practices is available here.