Staff Attorney - Civil Unit - Buffalo, NY

Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project•Buffalo, NY

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (VLP) is a nonprofit civil legal services organization that expands access to justice for low-income community members. The Staff Attorney will work in the Civil Unit, providing direct legal services and helping prepare matters for pro bono representation by volunteer attorneys. The role offers training in VLP’s civil legal practice areas and involves close collaboration with a supervisor, attorneys, paralegals, support staff, interns, and volunteer counsel. The attorney will represent clients through full representation, brief services, and advice and counsel in a variety of civil legal matters, including estate matters, end-of-life planning, bankruptcy, name changes, and divorce. The position also includes maintaining electronic case records, participating in case conferences, and supporting community outreach through clinics, presentations, and events. The role is based in Buffalo, New York, with a hybrid work environment that includes two in-office days per week in 2027 after completion of the introductory period. VLP states that the position has a 35-hour work week, an extremely flexible schedule, and that evening and weekend work is strongly discouraged. The anticipated start date is January 2027.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
Admission to practice law in New York State and good standing.
Some experience as an attorney; applicants with 1–3 years of experience are especially encouraged.
Strong writing, advocacy, organization, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities.
Valid New York State driver's license and reliable transportation.
Technology skills to work in a fully paperless office.
Resume and cover letter explaining interest in the position are required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Experience with LegalServer, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint.

Responsibilities

Represent clients through full representation, brief services, and advice and counsel in a variety of civil legal matters.
Handle cases involving estate matters, end-of-life planning, bankruptcy, name changes, divorce, and other civil legal issues.
Help prepare cases for pro bono representation through volunteer attorneys.
Maintain accurate and organized electronic case files and case management records.
Participate in case conferences and collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, support staff, and interns.
Support community outreach efforts through legal clinics, presentations, and community events.
Work with the supervisor and team to learn new areas of law and develop professional skills.

Benefits

Medical insurance with 90% of the premium paid by VLP and a generous HRA to help meet the deductible.
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Dependent Care FSA.
Pretax transit and parking benefits.
403(b) with employer contributions after 24 months.
Access to federal and state student loan forgiveness opportunities, including the NYS District Attorney and Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness Program, beginning in the fourth year of employment.
Training and professional development across a broad range of civil legal practice areas.
35-hour work weeks and an extremely flexible schedule.
Hybrid work environment with two days in-office per week in 2027 after completing the introductory period.