Staff Attorney - Consumer Law

Staff Attorney–Consumer Law

The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) has an immediate opening a Full-Time Staff Attorney for our Consumer Debt department. The position will involve consumer debt litigation, participation in community clinics, handling other litigation along with engaging community members in legal and non-legal strategies, and engaging in legislative and administrative advocacy on behalf of those impacted by poverty and discrimination.

The ideal candidate will have a legal services background with a dedication to public interest work. Founded in 1996 as a boutique nonprofit impact litigation law firm and now providing a range of direct range of direct services to low-income individuals and small businesses, WNYLC has been committed throughout its existence to advancing the rights of low-income and underserved Western New Yorkers and ensuring that they receive the full range of civil legal services, including nontraditional legal services such as impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community litigation. WNYLC has substantive units that provide direct services focused on housing, consumer finance, students’ rights, and small business support. Our consumer law program administers the Buffalo branch of CLARO, a consumer debt clinic that originated in New York City in response to the overwhelming need for legal assistance to individuals being sued for subprime automobile loans, usurious credit agreements, student loans, and other consumer issues.

Staff Attorneys engage in comprehensive legal representation, including advice, negotiation, litigation, and administrative and legislative advocacy, which includes representing individuals and engaging in broad-based impact advocacy. Staff Attorneys collaborate in teams led by an experienced supervisor. Staff Attorneys conduct community outreach and work to build partnerships with local community organizations.

· Admitted to practice in NYS or passed the NY bar and awaiting admission, required.

· Experience with consumer debt, required.

· High level of initiative and self-motivation.

· Strong writing, interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.

· Proficient in use of computer software.

· Proven ability to relate well with people who are low-income or of diverse nationalities and cultures.

· Excellent people skills.

· Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, with a high caseload.

· Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community partners.

· Engage in outreach for the program.

· Potential travel, required.

· Required to work evening hours for weekly clinics.

Salary Range is $71,500-$81,129. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. WNYLC offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 3 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays plus paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s, sick and personal leave, eligibility for public student loan forgiveness, paid life insurance, pension plan, Flexible Spending Account, and paid memberships.

Please send resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript (if admitted less than two years), writing sample (no longer than 10 pages), and the names of three references to Lauren Haas, Operations Manager, at lhaas@wnylc.net. No phone calls please.

WNYLC 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: $71,500-$81,129 per year

Benefits:

· 403(b)

· 403(b) matching

· Dental Insurance

· Employee assistance program

· Flexible schedule

· Flexible spending account

· Health insurance

· Health savings account

· Life insurance

· Loan forgiveness

· Paid time off

· Parental leave

· Retirement plan

· Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

· Buffalo, NY 14202 (Required)

Ability to Relocate

· Buffalo, NY 14202: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo,

Pay: $71,500.00 - $81,129.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo, NY 14202