James Hardwick

James Hardwick is an Adjunct Professor of Law and teaches the Veterans Law Practicum.  Before joining Cornell Law School, Professor Hardwick managed a solo litigation firm representing clients in medical malpractice, criminal defense, employment, and family law cases throughout California.  After closing his private practice, Professor Hardwick joined the staff of Bay Area Legal Aid in Oakland, CA.  As a senior staff attorney, he represented indigent and unhoused/unsheltered clients living with psychiatric illness in claims for state and federal disability benefits.  Professor Hardwick is currently a senior staff attorney at Legal Assistance of Western New York (LawNY) in Ithaca, NY, where he continues to focus on Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income cases.  At LawNY, Professor Hardwick developed partnerships with local county mental health agencies and the county jail to assist indigent, justice-involved residents living with psychiatric disabilities to apply for federal benefits after incarceration.

Professor Hardwick is a member of the California bar and a dedicated advocate for those living with disabilities and experiencing deep poverty.