Staff Attorney - Education Consumer Debt Assistance Program

WNYLC Staff Attorney-Education Consumer Debt Assistance Program (EDCAP)

The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Staff Attorney for our new Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP). This is an opportunity to join an organization committed to serving low-income individuals in WNY and become part of the expansion of the largest consumer law program in the area.

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.

EDCAP Staff Attorney Responsibilities:

The EDCAP Staff Attorney will work closely with the Managing Attorney of the Consumer and/or Clinical Unit and the EDCAP Staff Paralegal to develop this new project and provide direct legal representation in court and/or administrative proceedings to individuals with student loan debt. Responsibilities will include:

· Providing information and advice to private and federal student loan borrowers, including counsel on discharging their student loan debt through bankruptcy.

· Helping student loan borrowers apply for relief through cancellation, forgiveness, or discharge programs.

· Representing student loan borrowers in court and administrative proceedings.

· Working as part of a team, collaborating with partners to identify issues and trends, and contributing to policy advocacy.

· Other responsibilities, as assigned by the Managing Attorney.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Admission to practice in NYS, required.

· 1-3 years of legal experience.

· High level of initiative and self-motivation.

· Strong writing, interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.

· Litigation experience preferred.

· Knowledge of or interest in student loan work, preferred.

· Bankruptcy experience, preferred.

· 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.

· Keep complete and accurate records to be submitted for grant reporting.

· Potential local travel required.

· Required to work evening hours for weekly clinics.

Salary and Benefits:

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.

How To Apply:

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 professional 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, NY 14202

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
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo, NY 14202