Staff Attorney

Join The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) and become part of an energetic team of advocates that provides a wide-range of legal services.

Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 10 counties in Western New York. Our attorneys stop illegal evictions, save clients homes from foreclosure, put a stop to elder domestic violence, fight for public benefits, work with our local immigrant & refugee populations, and represent grandparents and other kinship care relatives in custody and neglect petitions in family court. We also advocate for systems-wide policy changes, commenting frequently on changes to regulations and working with local elected leaders on legislation that will impact the poor and vulnerable older adults in our area. We believe that independence and dignity are the hallmarks of justice.

JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Housing Attorney will be responsible for assisting their department to ensure that the firm represents clients in a holistic manner to achieve clients’ goals through aggressive advocacy, including litigation. The Housing Attorney will work closely with the paralegals and support staff to develop and implement the firm’s mission and goals. This exciting role will be heavy on court appearances. The ideal candidate will be a skillful attorney who can excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, where engaging with clients daily is a necessity. The attorney in this role will be working on both foreclosure prevention and eviction cases.

CELJ’s Housing Unit represents tenants in eviction proceedings and strives to fight against housing discrimination, illegal evictions, and poor apartment conditions. Attorneys and paralegals in this unit can assist clients with understanding their options, responding to legal documents, and providing representation in court.

REPORTS TO:
Supervising Attorney

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manage caseload of housing, landlord/tenant cases in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties

• Weekly court appearances including trials, pretrial conferences, reviews, and participation in Buffalo’s attorney of the morning program

• Draft court documents such as petitions, orders, stipulated agreements, motions, affidavits, and subpoenas

• Advocacy outside of the courtroom, such as advocating for tenants living in substandard conditions, or facing other landlord/tenant issues.

• Maintain ongoing relationships with other attorneys designated to respective cases

• Maintain ongoing relationships with local agencies assisting homeowners in foreclosure

• Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organization, and other advocates

• Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations

• Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Travel is required as the attorney will be representing clients throughout Western New York

• In-home client visits, as needed

• Participate in outreach and education events within the community

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree

• Admitted to practice law in the State of NY

• 0-5 years of experience

• Court experience preferred

• Must enjoy a fast-paced environment

• Able to handle multiple tasks

• Ability to work independently as well as within a group

• Communication and interpersonal skills required

• Public speaking (trainings)

• Able to identify and evaluate legal issues

• Commitment to communities we serve

• Travel amongst counties, required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
• Promote the work of the office and civil practice

• Maintain timely and consistent client contact

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

• Generous vacation and sick time
• Thirteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays
• Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day
• Payment of license fees and association dues
• Encouragement of professional development

No phone calls please.

CELJ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $72,294.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person