Staff Attorney: Civil Unit - Buffalo Office

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project•Buffalo, NY

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Experience with case management systems (especially Legal Server) and databases are preferred.

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.

Benefits

90% employer paid health insurance premiums
Health Reimbursement Arrangement account
Long-term disability insurance
Life/AD&D insurance
403b contributions
Employee Assistance Program
FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan (available through pre-tax employee contributions)
Notary application and renewal and attorney registration fees (if applicable)
Eligible employer for both the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and the District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness program (DALF)
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