Open Positions

The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) is seeking an experienced lawyer to work as a Staff Attorney within our Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC). The Attorney will provide legal services to small business owners and entrepreneurs at all stages of their business’ lifespan on a broad range of legal issues and will assist with other case work as assigned. The position will also involve participation in community clinics, engaging community members in legal and non-legal strategies, and involvement in legislative and administrative advocacy on behalf of those affected 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. The SBLC, which became part of the Law Center in January 2017, provides free legal assistance to low-income entrepreneurs and small businesses across WNY. The SLBC is the only program of its kind in WNY and has become an integral part of our local small business ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

Staff Attorneys will provide legal representation to small business owners and entrepreneurs at all stages of their business on a broad range of legal issues including, but not limited to, business formation, contracts, compliance, employees, taxes, permits/licenses/zoning, buying/selling/closing a business, and/or M/WBE certification. Staff Attorneys will attend weekly drop-in clinics at various locations around WNY and will work with Managing Attorney to serve small business clients, collaborate with other small business community groups, and engage in outreach for the program. Staff Attorneys will provide legal education and/or training on business law topics in the community. These events are held during evening hours or on weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Admission to practice in NYS, required.

• Experience with business law, required.

• Minimum 1-year legal experience, preferred.

• 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.

• Travel, required.

• Engage in outreach events for the small business community.

• Present CLEs and/or business law training for small business owners within the community.

• Keep complete and accurate records to be submitted for fee for service work.

• Required to work evening hours for clinics and may need to work evening and/or weekend hours for clinics, community partner events and/or business law presentations, as needed.

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.

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:

• 403B

• 403B 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

The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Staff Attorney to work within our Housing Unit. The attorney will be representing low to moderate income tenants facing eviction in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties. The attorney will have the option to work remotely outside of in-person appearances, some of which may be in the evening, in the above Counties. Occasional in-office time in our Buffalo office may be required. WNYLC reimburses travel expenses.

The ideal candidate will have a legal services background with a dedication to public interest work. Since its formation in 1996, WNYLC has committed to its enduring mission to ensure that low-income Western New Yorkers receive a full range of civil legal services, including representation, policy advocacy, and legal education, focused on the areas of housing, income maintenance, and consumer debt.

Responsibilities:

Staff Attorneys engage in direct and comprehensive legal representation, including advice, negotiation, motion practice, discovery, and litigation along with administrative and legislative advocacy. Court appearances will be in-person in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties. Night appearances may occasionally be required. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the office. Attorneys collaborate in teams led by an experienced supervisor. Attorneys conduct community outreach and work to build partnerships with local community organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Admitted to practice in NYS, required.

• Experience with landlord/tenant law, preferred.

• High level of initiative and self-motivation.

• Strong legal writing, interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.

• Proficient in use of computer software.

• Demonstrated commitment to and passion for the rights of low-income clients.

• Excellent people skills.

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

• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community partners.

• Travel required.

• May need to work evening hours, as needed.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary Range is $71,500 - $ 81,502. 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, hybrid work week, paid life insurance, pension plan, Flexible Spending Account, and paid memberships.

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

The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) is seeking a law student for a part-time position (20 hours/week) to support our Civil Unit, with a focus on the CLARO (Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office) program. This is a great opportunity for a student interested in public interest law, consumer protection, and hands-on legal experience serving low-income communities.

About WNYLC and CLARO:

WNYLC is a nonprofit legal services organization that provides civil legal assistance to low-income individuals across Western New York. Our Civil Unit focuses on consumer debt, bankruptcy, and related advocacy. We also administer the Buffalo branch of CLARO, a program that offers limited-scope legal advice to individuals being sued for consumer debts, including credit cards, subprime auto loans, and student loans.

Position Overview:

The law student will assist with the day-to-day operations of the CLARO program, including:

· Supporting attorneys and paralegals during CLARO clinics

· Conducting client intake and interviews

· Drafting legal documents and correspondence

· Assisting with legal research and case preparation

· Helping coordinate volunteer attorneys and law students

· Participating in community outreach and education efforts

Qualifications:

· Current enrollment in an accredited law school

· Interest in public interest law, consumer protection, or civil legal services

· Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Comfort working with diverse populations

· Availability to work 20 hours per week, including some afternoon or evening clinic hours

· Spanish language skills are a plus, but not required

To Apply:

Please send a resume, brief cover letter to: Lauren Haas, Operations Manager, lhaas@wnylc.net. No phone calls please.

WNYLC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, including those underrepresented in the legal profession.

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Overview. Frank Dolce was a lawyer, professor, and activist who championed the rights of working people and the cause of social justice.  This paid Fellowship, involving 35 hours of work a week for 10 weeks during Summer 2026, is administered by the Western New York Law Center. It seeks to honor Frank by training law students to follow in his footsteps. 

‍For nearly a quarter century, the Law Center has provided free assistance in civil cases to people unable to afford legal representation.  The Law Center also partners with the Western New York Council on Occupational Safety and Health [WYNCOSH] which was formed in 1979 to help workers -- especially low-wage workers -- understand their legal rights on such issues as wage theft, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.

‍The Legal Work.  The Dolce Fellow will have an office at the Law Center and assist on Law Center cases and, where possible, appear in court as part of the Law Center’s CLARO program.  The CLARO program provides legal assistance to individuals on issues such as burdensome debt, including collections, garnishments, frozen bank accounts, court cases or judgments involving credit card, medical or student debt, and legal issues associated with utility bills, lines of credit, charge accounts and home foreclosures.  Supervised by Law Center attorneys, the Fellow will have the opportunity to be involved in cases being litigated.

The Dolce Fellow may also advance workers’ rights, by assisting on such issues as wage theft, discrimination, unsafe working conditions and other workplace legal issues.

‍The Fellow will work 35 hours a week for 10 weeks during Summer 2026 and be paid $22/hour.

‍Desired Experience and Qualifications. The Fellowship is open to law students with excellent research, writing and communication skills who are committed to worker rights and social justice.

‍Applying.   Submit a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript, and provide written responses to the questions below.  Send application materials to Lauren Haas, Operations Manager at the Western New York Law Center at lhaas@wnylc.net.  

‍The questions: [Limited to 150 words.]

‍1.     What professional and/or life experiences make you interested in this fellowship?

‍ ‍2.     What do you see as the relationship between law and activism?

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