Careers

Hawkins has been at the forefront of public finance for over 150 years, and is a national leader in infrastructure project delivery. We have a diverse array of practice areas and professional competencies within and related to public finance and infrastructure fields that enables the firm to deliver comprehensive and excellent service to our clients. The firm's team approach to client relationships is a major factor in recruiting new attorneys. Our attorneys include graduates of some of the country's most respected law schools. Most of our partners began as associates at the firm, and many of our attorneys have had prior service in government at the federal, state and local levels. This expertise enhances our abilities to serve our public sector, non-profit and financial institution clients.

Whether you're seeking opportunities as an attorney or as staff, Hawkins is always interested in candidates with superior qualifications and initiative who are seeking a challenging and rewarding work environment. Above all, the firm promotes dedication to the highest level of professionalism in an atmosphere of collegiality. We welcome your interest and questions.

Hawkins is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, actual or perceived gender and gender identity, veteran's status or any other legally protected status. This policy pertains to every aspect of an individual's relationship with the firm, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. 

Career Opportunities

Interested candidates must submit a resume, law school transcript, cover letter and the linked EEO, CC-305 and Self ID-Veterans’ form, and application to be considered.

Associate - Public contracts and Infrastructure, New York, NY - $185,000 to $205,000

Hawkins is seeking an associate to join the Firm’s public contracts and infrastructure group.  The team is based in New York and practices nationally, representing public agencies and financial institutions in implementing infrastructure projects on an alternative delivery and public-private partnership basis in the water, wastewater, solid waste, social infrastructure, transportation and power sectors.  We are looking for a candidate with three to five years of corporate transactional, procurement or government contracts experience and who is interested in representing public sector clients around the country in complex procurement and contract work for large scale public works projects. The anticipated base compensation range for this full-time role is $185,000 to $205,000 per year.  Actual compensation will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.

Paralegal, New York, NY - $70,000 – 80,000

This full-time project finance paralegal position is based in the New York City office. This is considered a career position for someone with business or law firm experience.

Paralegal, New York, NY - $54,000 - $65,000

A project finance paralegal entry-level position based in the New York City office.  This is a great learning opportunity for someone who is thinking of pursuing business or law school and can make a two year commitment to the firm.

The project finance paralegal(s) works directly with the Firm’s attorneys throughout the lifecycle of financing transactions.  Such work includes conducting project diligence, drafting certificates, attending meetings and assembling documents.  Other responsibilities include: legal research, assisting attorneys with transaction closings, filling out government forms, performing certain financial calculations, monitoring news outlets, drafting proposals to prospective clients, writing client memos and newsletters, preparing billing invoices and coordinating meetings.  This position affords considerable client contact – a poised, professional comportment is a necessity.

A Hawkins Delafield paralegal is an integral part of the Firm’s practice group; as such, the successful candidate must demonstrate intelligence, excellent writing and speaking skills and strong organizational skills, as well as an ability to multitask and meet deadlines.   He or she should be proactive, enthusiastic to learn and proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.  A background or interest in statistics, mathematics and American government is helpful.  Attention to detail is of utmost importance.

A bachelor’s degree and high class standing are required.  No prior paralegal experience is necessary.  The position is open-ended, with a minimum 2-year commitment required.  Both positions are a great opportunity for someone returning to the workforce or looking to change careers.

The position pays an annual salary, plus benefits and overtime.  Relocation expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.  Please submit a cover letter, resume and college transcript in order to be considered for an in-person interview.  Telephone interviews may be conducted in advance of such meeting.

Paralegal, Washington, D.C. - $65,000 - $80,000

We are seeking a legal assistant to support our nationally-recognized practice. This position is located in our Washington, DC office and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule from/to that office.

Qualifications:

  • Two years minimum experience (preferably some financial transactions and/or general corporate work).
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written (grammar, spelling, format) and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the firm.
  • Demonstrated team-oriented work style.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

  • Legal assistants are an integral part of our team who will work on sophisticated financial transactions representing state agencies, local governments, private entities, and investment banking firms.

Benefits:

  • In addition to offering competitive salaries, we also offer an excellent benefit package, which includes medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) Plan; Flexible Spending Account and Paid Time Off.

Educational Requirements:

  • BS/BA Degree

Status:

  • Full Time, Non-Exempt

Associate - Affordable Housing, Washington, DC

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is seeking an associate with at least three years of experience with HUD affordable housing, low-income housing tax credit or related programs. The position will be located in our Washington, D.C. office.  All candidates should include a resume and cover letter. A writing sample would be helpful.

Tax Project Coordinator, New York, NY - $54,000 to $72,000

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is seeking a full-time project finance coordinator, seeking a long-term career,  to work primarily with the affordable housing group of its New York City office. Persons returning to the workforce after an extended hiatus are welcome to apply.

Hawkins Delafield is a 170-year old law firm, originally organized as a general practice firm specializing in business and finance.  Today, the Firm is nationally recognized for its specialization in the field of government finance.  Hawkins Delafield has been consistently ranked among the top five Public Finance firms in data compiled by Thomson Reuters Corporation and by The Bond Buyer, and is among the handful of firms which have consistently participated in the greatest number and in the largest dollar volume of public finance transactions in each year since such records have been compiled.  Its New York City offices are on the 41st  floor of  7 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.  A further description of the Firm can be found at www.hawkins.com.

The project finance coordinator works directly with the Firm’s attorneys throughout the lifecycle of financing transactions.  Such work includes conducting project diligence, drafting certificates, attending meetings and assembling documents.  Other responsibilities include: legal research, assisting attorneys with transaction closings, filling out government forms, performing certain financial calculations, monitoring news outlets, drafting proposals to prospective clients, writing client memos and newsletters, preparing billing invoices and coordinating meetings.  This position affords considerable client contact – a poised, professional comportment is a necessity.

This position is an integral part of the Firm’s practice group; as such, the successful candidate must demonstrate intelligence, excellent writing and speaking skills and strong organizational skills, as well as an ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and be flexible with regard to overtime.  He or she should be proactive, enthusiastic to learn and proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.  A strong background or interest in statistics, mathematics and American government is helpful.  Attention to detail is of utmost importance.

A bachelor’s degree and high class standing, or commensurate experience is required.  No prior paralegal experience is necessary.  The position is envisioned to be a career position with regular advancement.

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $54,000 to $72,000 per year. Actual salary will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.

Project Finance Coordinator, New York, NY - $54,000 to $72,000

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is seeking a full-time project finance coordinator to work primarily with the affordable housing group of its New York City office.

Hawkins Delafield is a 170-year old law firm, originally organized as a general practice firm specializing in business and finance.  Today, the Firm is nationally recognized for its specialization in the field of government finance.  Hawkins Delafield has been consistently ranked among the top five Public Finance firms in data compiled by Thomson Reuters Corporation and by The Bond Buyer, and is among the handful of firms which have consistently participated in the greatest number and in the largest dollar volume of public finance transactions in each year since such records have been compiled.  Its New York City offices are on the 41st  floor of  7 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.  A further description of the Firm can be found at www.hawkins.com.

The project finance coordinator works directly with the Firm’s attorneys throughout the lifecycle of financing transactions.  Such work includes conducting project diligence, drafting certificates, attending meetings and assembling documents.  Other responsibilities include: legal research, assisting attorneys with transaction closings, filling out government forms, performing certain financial calculations, monitoring news outlets, drafting proposals to prospective clients, writing client memos and newsletters, preparing billing invoices and coordinating meetings.  This position affords considerable client contact – a poised, professional comportment is a necessity.

This position is an integral part of the Firm’s practice group; as such, the successful candidate must demonstrate intelligence, excellent writing and speaking skills and strong organizational skills, as well as an ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and be flexible with regard to overtime.  He or she should be proactive, enthusiastic to learn and proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.  A strong background or interest in statistics, mathematics and American government is helpful.  Attention to detail is of utmost importance.

A bachelor’s degree and high class standing, or commensurate experience is required.  No prior paralegal experience is necessary.  The position is open-ended, with a minimum 2-year commitment required.  This is a great opportunity for talented recent graduates in any field considering law or an advanced degree in government or business and looking for meaningful work experience prior to such graduate studies.

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $54,000 to $72,000 per year. Actual salary will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.

Project Finance Coordinator, New York, NY - $54,000 to $72,000

Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is seeking a full-time project finance coordinator to work primarily with the affordable housing group of its New York City office. This position requires cost accounting training or education to work with construction budgets as well as other responsibilities. 

Hawkins Delafield is a 170-year old law firm, originally organized as a general practice firm specializing in business and finance.  Today, the Firm is nationally recognized for its specialization in the field of government finance.  Hawkins Delafield has been consistently ranked among the top five Public Finance firms in data compiled by Thomson Reuters Corporation and by The Bond Buyer, and is among the handful of firms which have consistently participated in the greatest number and in the largest dollar volume of public finance transactions in each year since such records have been compiled.  Its New York City offices are on the 41st  floor of  7 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.  A further description of the Firm can be found at www.hawkins.com.

The project finance coordinator works directly with the Firm’s attorneys throughout the lifecycle of financing transactions.  Such work includes reviewing construction budgets, determining capital costs, conducting project diligence, drafting certificates.  Other responsibilities include: filling out government forms, performing certain financial calculations, preparing billing invoices and coordinating meetings.  This position affords considerable client contact – a poised, professional comportment is a necessity.

This position is an integral part of the Firm’s practice group; as such, the successful candidate must demonstrate intelligence, excellent writing and speaking skills and strong organizational skills, as well as an ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and be flexible with regard to overtime.  He or she should be proactive, enthusiastic to learn and proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.  A strong background or interest in statistics, mathematics and American government is helpful.  Attention to detail is of utmost importance.

A bachelor’s degree and high class standing, or commensurate experience is required.  The position is open-ended, with a minimum 2-year commitment required.  This is a great opportunity for talented recent graduates in accounting or someone returning to the workforce after an accounting career.

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $54,000 to $72,000 per year. Actual salary will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.

Paralegal, New York, NY - $54,000 to $65,000

We are seeking a Paralegal to support our nationally-recognized practice.  This position is located in our New York office.

The Paralegal will assist Partners and Associate Attorneys with all aspects of a heavy financial transaction practice. Duties include drafting of documents, coordinating closings, assembly of transcripts of proceedings and preparation of letters and forms. Significant attorney and client contact.

  • Compile and manage transactional closing documents.
  • Assist with the drafting, compiling and submitting of firm proposals and qualifications to new business prospects.
  • Ability to file a variety of documents under a coded system.
  • Assist with miscellaneous tasks and projects assigned by the Housing group attorneys.
  • Willingness to work flexibly and under tight deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain a strong attention to detail.

Requirements:

Four year college degree with 3+ years of experience as a transactional paralegal.  This position requires a paralegal who is highly motivated, well organized and has excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent attention to detail with very good comprehension and mathematical skills are required.

The anticipated base salary range for this full-time role is $54,000 to $65,000 per year. Actual salary will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.

People Operations Director - New York, N.Y. - $95,000 to $130,000

We are seeking a People Operations Director.  This position is located in our New York office and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule. 

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 4 - 5 years minimum experience in HR
  • Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the firm
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Responsibilities:

  • Manages all aspects of the firm’s partner / employee benefits program including but not limited to health insurance, dental, vision, flexible spend, 401K, disability and life insurance.
  • Manages employee disability (STD & LTD), FMLA and unpaid leave programs.
  • Serves as point person for partners / staff inquiries on benefits and assists in resolving benefits questions and issues in accordance with benefits policies and procedures.
  • Maintains all benefits records.
  • Executes and interacts with Partners/managers on staff recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding and offboarding.
  • Ensures job descriptions are up to date and compliant with all local, state and federal regulations.
  • Recommends compensation adjustments for staff based on market research and pay surveys.
  • Notifies Chief Operating Officer and Firm General Counsel of employee issues and conflicts and brings them to resolution.
  • Manages administrative staff and their personal time off.
  • Manages regular performance evaluations of administrative staff.
  • Support the performance evaluation process for associates.
  • Stays up-to-date on federal, state and local government compliance requirements and ensures compliance those regulations including but not limited to EEO reporting, affirmative action plan, VETS-4212, annual sexual harassment training etc.

The annual salary range for this position is $95,000 to $130,000 per year.  Actual compensation will depend upon several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant experience, job-related skills, and qualifications.

Apply

If you are interested in applying for an attorney position, please submit a resume, law school transcript, cover letter, the linked EEO, CC-305 and Self ID-Veterans’ form and application to: careers@hawkins.com

For applicants interested in support staff positions, please submit a resume and the linked EEO, CC-305 and Self ID-Veterans’ form and application to: careers@hawkins.com