Staff Attorney: Civil Unit - Buffalo Office

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Full Time Staff Attorney: Civil Unit - Buffalo Office

Note: Both a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position are required to consider your application.

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking one (1) full-time Staff Attorney for our law office in Buffalo, NY. The Staff Attorney will assist in developing cases to refer to pro bono attorneys primarily in divorce, end of life planning, name changes, bankruptcies, estates, and other civil matters, as well as managing a full representation caseload comprised of cases in these practice areas.

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 in a wide array of civil practice areas including but not limited to divorce, end of life planning, name changes, bankruptcies, estates, and other civil matters.
• Prepare cases for referral and work with VLP's Pro Bono Program Manager to refer cases to pro bono attorneys and provide follow-up on cases when needed. 
• Ensure files are opened and closed in a timely manner and that all files have appropriate notes and adhere to file maintenance policies. 
• Participate in regular case conferences with Supervisor and unit, as directed.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic client files by promptly uploading documents, recording all substantive case activity and communications in the case management system, and opening and closing matters in accordance with office procedures.
• Work collaboratively with paralegals, support staff, and interns.
• Requires some travel (NYS valid driver's license is required along with regular access to a vehicle).
• Assist in community outreach efforts at community events which may include presentations, tabling, or staffing clinics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• JD required.
• Admitted to practice law in New York State and in good standing with 1 – 4 years of experience in civil matters.

Skills:

• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to be flexible and manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with clients, colleagues, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to and ability to work effectively with low-income and underserved clients.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate, timely, and organized case records.
• Ability to collect, manage, and accurately enter case and program data.
• Ability to problem solve and see complex tasks through to completion.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills.
• We are a paperless office. The Staff Attorney 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 $68,000 - $80,133 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, 403b contributions, Employee Assistance Program
• Other Benefits: Other benefits are available through pre-tax employee contributions: 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

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.

For more information, visit our website at www.ecbavlp.com

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