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The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Attorney in our Civil Legal Services Unit to contribute to our impact on Western New York communities. This Attorneys’ Union position will initially primarily focus on representing clients in eviction defense and related housing matters. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York community by working to ensure that all individuals have access to safe, affordable housing.

Given the nature of our work, this Staff Attorney position is expected to work primarily on-site from our office located at 290 Main St., Buffalo, NY.

Who are we?

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has been providing access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children, and families in the Western New York Community for over 100 years. Using a holistic approach, we provide quality, client-centered legal representation in a vast range of criminal and civil matters such as mandated criminal defense, mandated child and youth representation, consumer credit, employment, education, family, post-conviction, appeals, housing, and immigration.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities to learn and grow through collaboration with colleagues
• Enjoy a full-time, 40-hour work week and build flexibility into your schedule within the parameters of our collective bargaining agreement. Typical hours fall between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Competitive Pay: Salary ranging from $83,959 to $103,212 commensurate with relevant experience.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Extensive paid time off programs – holiday, vacation, personal, sick time, and more.
• Paid parenthood leave plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan with contributions made by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. between 6 and 8% when eligible.
• Life insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance offering, which includes short-term disability, long-term disability, term life insurance plus more.
• Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, flexible spending account, and more.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend both virtual and in-person court appearances.
• Interview clients on a routine basis in a variety of settings, which may include our offices, court, clinics, homes, or through remote means.
• Advise, counsel, and inform clients regarding the legal and life issues arising in their court proceeding, taking a holistic approach to service and keeping with trauma-informed principles.
• Provide individuals with effective representation and advocacy in all proceedings, including pre-trial conferences, motion practice, hearings, and trials.
• Prepare legal papers, including petitions and pleadings, discovery demands and documents, motions, memoranda of law, briefs, orders and judgments, settlement agreements and notices of appeal.
• Participate in negotiations, settlement conferences, and mediations.
• Draft necessary correspondence, electronically file documents, and maintain detailed and accurate case management records.
• Collaborate with Unit attorneys and consult with supervising attorneys, as needed, regarding legal representation of clients.
• Attend formal and informal meetings held by community-based service providers or facilities, as needed or appropriate.
• Participate in out-reach events and information services, including presenting at community events, and hosting walk-in clinics and hot-line assistance.
• Understand and identify community resources that serve clients and their families.
• Research, interpret, and apply the law in individual matters. Remain current regarding civil laws and regulations and case law.
• Respond promptly and professionally to telephone calls, emails, and other communications.
• Participate in local and State committees, initiatives, and/or trainings to address needs of client population.
• Attend continuing legal education programs as directed by supervising attorneys and maintain required CLE credits on a biannual basis.

Employment Standards

• Active membership in the State Bar of New York.
• Experience in housing law preferred; or
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.

*Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college, university, or law school accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, the candidate must provide independent verification of equivalency.

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours, or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristic or protected class.