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Full Time FAMILY LAW STAFF ATTORNEY - Buffalo Office

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking one (1) full-time FAMILY LAW STAFF ATTORNEY for our law office in Buffalo, NY. The Family Law Staff Attorney will handle a caseload comprised of both counsel and advice and full representation family law and matrimonial cases. The Family Law Staff attorney will also staff the Family Court Help Desks and complete other duties as assigned.

VLP is a mixed-model civil legal services program that coordinates direct representation by pro bono attorneys and by our staff attorneys in our two locations: Buffalo and Batavia, NY. The Buffalo office handles a wide variety of civil legal services, with a focus on involving pro bono lawyers in the delivery of our services to clients. The Batavia office provides immigration representation to individuals detained in the Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, NY.

This position will work out of our Buffalo, NY office with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 90-day introductory period.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide full representation, brief service, and advice and counsel for clients seeking assistance on family law and matrimonial matters including but not limited to divorce, custody, visitation, paternity, child support, adoption, family offense proceedings, and Article 17A guardianships, etc. This position will maintain a special focus on providing representation for victims of crime, domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
  Represent and counsel clients with cases in IDV Court.
• Staff the Family Court Help Desks.
• Work collaboratively with Paralegals and other staff.
• Prepare cases for referral to Pro Bono attorneys (working with our Pro Bono Manager).
• May require some travel (NYS valid driver's license is required along with regular access to a vehicle).
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Admitted to practice law in New York State with 3-5 years of experience in civil matters.

Skills:

• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively.
• Ability to problem solve and see complex tasks through to completion.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Ability to multitask and be flexible in an office with high volume that moves at a quick pace.
• Computer skills: We are a paperless office. The employee is required to use and maintain our electronic case management system (Legal Server) and successfully use other required technology, including but not limited to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel). Experience with case management systems (especially Legal Server) and databases are preferred.

Salary/Benefits: 

• Salary ranges from $72,570.00 to $77, 512.00 (steps 3 – 5) based on years of relevant work experience.
• Employer paid benefits: 90% employer paid health insurance premiums, a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account, long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, Pension contributions, Employee Assistance Program
• Other Benefits: Other benefits are available through pre-tax employee contributions: vision insurance, dental insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan.
• Fees: Notary application and renewal and attorney registration fees (if applicable) 
• Loan Forgiveness: ECBAVLP is an eligible employer for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness program (DALF)
• A respectful work environment with a true work/life balance:
  • 18 paid holidays including the time between December 24th and January 1st
  • 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year one
  • 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
  • 10 sick days each year (5 are frontloaded; 5 are accrued)
  • 2 Sunshine Days to be used between Memorial Day and Labor Day (prorated for staff hired between those holidays)
  • Flexible schedule
  • Discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
  • Dedication to diversity and inclusion 

Important note: we require both a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position to consider your application.

VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply.  Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.