Karen S. Southwick Esq.
Ms. Southwick's practice focuses on Social Security disability with a specialty in federal court appeals. She also handles disability discrimination cases and long-term disability cases. In her most previous position, she was a confidential law clerk to United States Magistrate Judge George H. Lowe, Northern District of New York. She is a 2004 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law where she was Lead Articles Editor of the "Syracuse Law Review." In addition, she is a 2001 graduate of Ursinus College where she co-authored published psychological research studies and volunteered at long-term state psychiatric facilities, geriatric care facilities, and a childcare facility for children with autism.
Areas of Practice
- Social Security Disability Law
- Federal Court Appeals
- Long-Term Disability Litigation
- Disability Discrimination Litigation
Bar Admissions
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania
- U.S. District Court District of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
Education
- Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse, New York
- J.D. - 2004
- Honors: Chancellor's Scholar
- Honors: Judicial Board Member
- Law Review: Syracuse Law Review, Lead Articles Editor
- Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania
- B.S. - 2001
- Honors: Dean's Honor List
- Honors: Summer Research Fellowship
- Honors: Honorary Scholastic Society
- Major: Psychology
- Minor: Environmental Studies
Classes/Seminars
- Adjunct Instructor, Legal Studies Department, Bryant & Stratton College, Syracuse, New York
- Program Presenter, Social Security Overview, ARISE Child & Family Services, Syracuse, New York
- Program Attendant, NOSSCR Conference, San Antonio, Texas
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Federal Court Bar Association, Member
- New York State Bar Association, Member
- Onondaga County Bar Association, Member
- Syracuse University Law Alumni Association, Member
- Ursinus College Law Alumni Group, Member
Past Employment Positions
- United States Magistrate Judge George H. Lowe, Northern District of New York, Law Clerk , 2008 - 2011
- Northern District of New York, Staff Attorney, Social Security Appeals, 2006 - 2008
- Northern District of New York, Pro Se Law Clerk, 2005 - 2006
- President Judge Ronald E. Vican, Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, Law Clerk, 2004 - 2005
Pro Bono Activities
- Children’s Track Club, Group Leader
- Syracuse University College of Law, Grossman Trial Competition, Guest Judge
- Syracuse University College of Law, Externship Program, Externship Supervisor
- United States District Court, “Open Doors to Federal Court” Program, Participant
- YMCA, Department Advisory Board Committee, Committee Member
