Onondaga County Legislator Jim Corl has announced he is stepping down from his seat.
Corl, who represents the third district, which includes the town of Cicero and portions of the town of Manlius, will be taking a position as principal court attorney for Onondaga County Family Court Judge Michael Hanuszczak.
Corl said he’s looking forward to this next chapter in his career.
“Working under the direction of Judge Hanuszczak will certainly be a rewarding experience as his court is one in which families and children of Onondaga County are in the most need,” Corl said. “By assisting the court, I see this as an opportunity to help those children and families in a time of crisis.”
Corl, 39, has been a practicing family law attorney for several years. He said he will be closing his private practice in order to take the court attorney job.
“Having dual employment is precluded when acting as a principal law clerk, and therefore, it is not feasible to continue to have a private practice,” he said. “While I enjoyed having a successful law practice I look forward to the opportunity to serve the court.”
Law clerks are responsible for providing assistance to judges in researching issues before the court and in writing opinions. Unlike the court clerk and the courtroom deputy, both of whom are administrative staff for the court, a law clerk assists the judge in making legal determinations. As it’s a demanding job, Corl said he has decided to step down from the legislature.
“I really could not be effective and fulfill my legislative duties to my constituents and obligations to the court if I held both positions,” he said. “Also, I believe it is an honor to serve the court and being a court attorney is a very important role as I will be working with Judge Hanuszczak on day to day affairs which will in turn help the children and families in our county. It has certainly been a privilege being county legislator for the Third District this last year as the county embarked on many exciting projects while continuing to be fiscally responsible.”
Corl’s appointment is effective Jan. 15. His successor will be appointed by County Executive Joanie Mahoney.
