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 form, to be considered.
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.
Legal Assistant, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is a law firm offering governmental agencies, private entities and financial institutions exceptional legal service and sophisticated counsel in public finance and infrastructure transactions.
We are seeking a legal assistant to support our nationally-recognized practice. This position is located in our Ann Arbor, MI 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
Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Legal Assistant, Washington, D.C.
Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is a law firm offering governmental agencies, private entities and financial institutions exceptional legal service and sophisticated counsel in public finance and infrastructure transactions.
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
Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
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.
Diversity
Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP is committed to maintaining an inclusive culture and fostering a professional atmosphere that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices. Hawkins has a longstanding commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse community of administrative staff and attorneys.
Hawkins is proud of its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. It is through the collaboration of individuals from diverse backgrounds that the firm is able to deliver the highest quality services to its clients. We value each individual’s contributions to our legal practice. The firm supports the professional and personal development of individuals from distinct backgrounds and cultures.
A Word From Our Associates
Hawkins Delafield & Wood has achieved something special. To find someone who has worked here for 30 years or more is almost commonplace, staff and attorneys alike. Employees here find themselves members of a big family which supports each other throughout professional accomplishments and personal triumphs, as well as through the occasional lows. Within the first month of my having joined the firm, I felt camaraderie with fellow associates, paralegals and other staff, and I’ve also seen this support system continue into perpetuity for those who have moved on. What’s more, the work I’ve done here has felt more meaningful because the clients my group serves are exclusively government or public interest, thus it has been all the more rewarding to see matters in the form of buildings and restoration projects come to fruition over the time I have been here. I’ve always felt like I received sufficient training from partners and senior associates, and whenever I have a question, I don’t feel any resistance to asking. The positive work environment here has been a testament to Hawkins’ continued success.
Associate, New York, NY Office
When I started my legal career at Hawkins over 10 years ago, I had no idea that (a) I would be here for so long, and (b) that I would be working amongst individuals who over time have become my family. From my very first day in the Newark office, I was given a warm welcome and treated as if I had been here for years. When you spend so much time in the office, especially as a new associate, it’s nice to feel like you are “at home” and it really makes a difference when you have a close relationship with and respect the people you work with. At Hawkins, in my experience, that has always been the case. Projects can be challenging, deadlines have to be met, stressful situations arise on occasion, but at the end of the day, you are part of a team here at Hawkins. Over the years I have been lucky enough to have worked on large-scale public water, wastewater, solid waste and recycling, and renewable energy projects with clients from all over the country. Being born and raised in New Jersey, I especially love working on deals in-State and close to home. Aside from the rewarding nature of the work at Hawkins, one of the things I love about the firm is the fact that it is truly a family-friendly, flexible and supportive law firm.
Associate, Newark, NJ Office