Open Positions

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) has an immediate opening a Full-Time Staff Attorney for our Consumer Debt department. The position will involve consumer debt litigation, participation in community clinics, handling other litigation along with engaging community members in legal and non-legal strategies, and engaging in legislative and administrative advocacy on behalf of those impacted 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. Our consumer law program administers the Buffalo branch of CLARO, a consumer debt clinic that originated in New York City in response to the overwhelming need for legal assistance to individuals being sued for subprime automobile loans, usurious credit agreements, student loans, and other consumer issues.

Responsibilities:

Staff Attorneys engage in comprehensive legal representation, including advice, negotiation, litigation, and administrative and legislative advocacy, which includes representing individuals and engaging in broad-based impact advocacy. Staff Attorneys collaborate in teams led by an experienced supervisor. Staff Attorneys conduct community outreach and work to build partnerships with local community organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Admitted to practice in NYS or passed the NY bar and awaiting admission, required.

· Experience with consumer debt, required.

· 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.

· Engage in outreach for the program.

· Potential 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 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) 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.