Join NLS Today!

Organization Overview:

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. (NLS) is the largest nonprofit civil legal services provider in Western New York. With offices in Buffalo, including its central office, Batavia, Lockport, and Niagara Falls, NLS is dedicated to advancing justice and ensuring equal access to the legal system for individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney.

Each year, NLS serves thousands of clients with low income and vulnerable clients, including people facing eviction or homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, veterans, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those struggling to access food, healthcare, and other critical public benefits. We also partner with community organizations and medical providers to address legal challenges that impact health and well-being.

Position Summary:

Neighborhood Legal Services is seeking a mission-driven Intake Paralegal to join our centralized intake unit. This unit will centralize and streamline how potential clients connect with NLS. The Intake Paralegal will manage client inquiries by phone, through an online application portal, and in-person walk-ins. This role will serve as the front door to the agency and will be responsible for screening, interviewing, and, where appropriate, providing limited legal advice and counsel under attorney supervision.

As a member of the intake unit, you will play a vital role in helping people access the legal help they need while supporting NLS’s broader mission to challenge systemic inequality and promote justice across our region.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the first point of contact for clients seeking legal assistance via phone, online, or in-person walk-in.
• Conduct comprehensive intake interviews to assess eligibility for services based on income, legal issues, and other criteria.
• Accurately collect and enter client data into the case management system.
• Provide legal advice and counsel and extended services on eligible matters in accordance with agency protocols and under attorney supervision.
• Triage and refer matters to appropriate legal units or outside agencies, when needed.
• Develop a working knowledge of all NLS practice areas and stay up to date on relevant legal changes and resources.
• Maintain a trauma-informed and culturally competent approach when interacting with clients in distress or crisis.
• Manage a high volume of calls and applications in a fast-paced, call center-style setting.
• Participate in ongoing training and supervision to ensure quality and consistency of service delivery.

Core Competencies:

• Strong personal work ethic and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision;
• Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills, with ability to be detail-oriented;
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic and multi-sector team;
• Curious and self-directed with an ability to anticipate client needs;
• Cultural humility in working with low-income clients across the spectrum of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and limited English proficiency; and
• Familiarity with diverse communities is a plus.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in legal services, social services, crisis intervention, or a high-volume customer service.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and knowledge of community resources; and
• Self-motivated and dependable;
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and communicate complex legal information clearly and empathetically;
• Strong verbal and communication skills for client intake, client follow-up and attorney interface;
• Proficient in computer systems, data entry, and ability to learn new case management and call center software.
• Ability to multitask and manage a fast-paced environment with professionalism and empathy.
• Willingness to work as a team member and contribute to the efforts on any case.

Preferred:

• Bilingual or multilingual (especially Spanish, Arabic, Karen, or Swahili).
• Knowledge of civil legal issues faced by low-income communities.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed service delivery.

Work Environment:

• Centralized intake unit with call center-style operations.
• On-site positions in Buffalo and Lockport
• Occasional travel for walk-in coverage or Justice Bus events.
• Regular interaction with clients by phone, online, and in person.

Salary:

Salary is based on years of relevant paralegal experience and placement within Steps 1 through 22 of the salary scale. Step 1 of the salary scale correlates to the first year of qualifying paralegal experience. Each progressive step reflects an additional year of relevant experience.

Prior credited experience will be calculated from the date the Employee began working in a qualifying paralegal or legal support role. If there was a break in relevant employment, only applicable years of qualifying experience will be credited.

Current salary steps include but are not limited to:

• Step 1 – $ 53,000
• Step 5 – $ 58,513.27
• Step 10 – $ 64,620.14
• Step 15 – $71,545.86
• Step 22 – $82,976.80

Full-time position with a 35-hour work week and reduced summer hours.

NLS offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous PTO policy that includes: 3 weeks of vacation time, 12 paid holidays, plus a week of PTO between Christmas and New Year’s, reduced summer hours; additionally, employees have access to sick and personal leave, as well as eligibility for public student loan forgiveness. NLS also provides life insurance, a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.

How To Apply:

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to [email protected].

NLS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, gender (including identity or expression), sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or protected veteran status and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Neighborhood Legal Services is a not-for-profit public interest law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. Its mission is to seek equitable justice by providing access to legal advice, representation, and education to those in our community who, due to financial vulnerability, disability, discrimination, or abuse, require protection and advancement of their civil legal rights.  It is the largest non-profit provider of civil legal services in Western New York.  Neighborhood Legal Services provides counsel for housing, prevention, family/divorce, public benefits, disability advocacy, student loans, and health insurance. This position is in our Niagara Falls office.

The staff attorney will positively impact clients by maintaining a caseload of public benefits matters. The attorney will assist clients in obtaining or maintaining benefits including Temporary (cash) Assistance, SNAP, assistance with emergencies including homelessness, and overpayments from the Niagara County Department of Social Services.  Case work includes reviewing notices and other documents, advising clients about their benefits, negotiating with NCDSS, representing clients at Administrative Fair Hearings, and litigation. The Attorney will learn the substantive law, develop advocacy skills, and learn to identify and work on systemic issues. Training will be provided – whether you just passed the bar with admission pending or you are an experienced attorney.

Essential Responsibilities/ Functions:

• Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, hearing and trial work, and work with support staff;
• Fulfill all grant and contract requirements through casework, time-keeping, and record-keeping;
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the areas of law that impact our clients;
• Identify other legal needs of clients to ensure that NLS can provide holistic representation and referrals;
• Collaborate and coordinate with other NLS staff and community partners to ensure effective referrals and holistic service delivery;
• Identify systemic problems that affect our clients’ rights;
• Conduct community outreach, education and training;
• Demonstrate cultural competency to work with clients of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and limited English proficiency;
• Maintain a current knowledge of developments in civil procedure and civil litigation law; and
• Develop an understanding of the social and economic forces that create poverty and inequality in our community.

Qualifications

• J.D. and NYS Bar Admission (considered if applicant has passed the bar exam with admission pending – training will be provided)
• Demonstrated commitment and cultural sensitivity to low-income and underserved
• Strong writing skills and verbal communication.
• Strong behavioral competencies.
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills.
• Previous experience working with low-income and/or underserved communities preferred
• Second language fluency preferred

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work in an office environment including working at workstation, attending meetings;
• Traveling to meetings and hearings off-site;
• Use of computer and other office machines such as fax, photocopiers and telephones; and
• Ability to work in the evenings and weekends as required to serve clients.

Salary:

The salary range for this position is $71000.00 – $120,913.76 depending on experience, with generous benefits, paid time off and opportunity for student loan forgiveness.

Salary is based on bar admission and years of experience. (Steps 1 through 22) Step 1 of the salary scale correlates to the first year of admission to the bar of any state, and date of commencement of the practice of law in that state. Each progressive step equals an additional year of experience.

Prior credited experience is calculated from the date of admission to the bar and the date of commencement of the practice of law in that state. If the Employee did not begin practicing law within six (6) months of being admitted, the prior experience shall be calculated on the date they began practicing law.

Current salary steps include but are not limited to:
Step 1 – $ 71,000.00
Step 5 – $ 78,156.78
Step 10 – $ 90,338.62
Step 15 – $101,873.70
Step 22 – $120,913.76

NLS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, gender (including identity or expression), sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or protected veteran status and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Neighborhood Legal Services is a not-for-profit public interest law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. Its mission is to seek equitable justice by providing access to legal advice, representation, and education to those in our community who, due to financial vulnerability, disability, discrimination, or abuse, require protection and advancement of their civil legal rights. It is the largest non-profit provider of civil legal services in Western New York. Neighborhood Legal Services provides counsel for housing, eviction prevention, family/divorce, public benefits, disability advocacy, student loans, and health insurance.

The NLS Batavia office has a rich history serving the community. The staff attorney will positively impact clients by maintaining a caseload related to housing law, public benefits, family law, disability law, and consumer issues. Training will be provided – whether you just passed the bar with admission pending or you are an experienced attorney.

Essential Responsibilities/ Functions:

• Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, hearing and trial work, and work with support staff;
• Fulfill all grant and contract requirements through casework, time-keeping, record-keeping, and fostering pro bono involvement with the private bar;
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the areas of law that impact our clients;
• Identify other legal needs of clients to ensure that NLS can provide holistic representation and referrals;
• Collaborate and coordinate with other NLS staff and community partners to ensure effective referrals and holistic service delivery;
• Identify systemic problems that affect our clients’ rights;
• Conduct community outreach, education and training;
• Demonstrate cultural competency to work with clients of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and limited English proficiency;
• Maintain a current knowledge of developments in civil procedure and civil litigation law; and
• Develop an understanding of the social and economic forces that create poverty and inequality in our community.

Qualifications

• J.D. and NYS Bar Admission (considered if applicant has passed the bar exam with admission pending – training will be provided)
• Demonstrated commitment and cultural sensitivity to low-income and underserved communities.
• Strong writing skills and verbal communication.
• Strong behavioral competencies.
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills.
• Previous experience working with low-income and/or underserved communities preferred
• Second language fluency preferred

Salary

Salary is based on bar admission and years of experience. (Steps 1 through 22) Step 1 of the salary scale correlates to the first year of admission to the bar of any state, and date of commencement of the practice of law in that state. Each progressive step equals an additional year of experience.

Prior credited experience is calculated from the date of admission to the bar and the date of commencement of the practice of law in that state. If the Employee did not begin practicing law within six (6) months of being admitted, the prior experience shall be calculated on the date they began practicing law.

Current salary steps include but are not limited to:
Step 1 – $ 71,000.00
Step 5 – $ 78,156.78
Step 10 – $ 90,338.62
Step 15 – $101,873.70
Step 22 – $120,913.76

Full-time position with a 35-hour work week and reduced summer hours.

NLS offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous PTO policy that includes: 3 weeks of vacation time, 12 paid holidays, plus a week of PTO between Christmas and New Year’s, reduced summer hours; additionally, employees have access to sick and personal leave, as well as eligibility for public student loan forgiveness. NLS also provides life insurance, a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.

How To Apply: To apply, please send cover letter, resume, writing sample and 3 references to [email protected]. No phone calls please.

NLS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, gender (including identity or expression), sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or protected veteran status and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location: Buffalo, NY | Work Week: 35 Hours – in Addition to Reduced Summer Hours (Work-Life Balance Focused)

Why Join Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS)?

At NLS, we believe that your passion for justice shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being. As the largest non-profit provider of civil legal services in the five counties of Western New York we serve, we offer a supportive environment where you can make a profound impact on the lives of low-income individuals and survivors of domestic violence.

• True Work-Life Balance: A standard 35-hour work week to prevent burnout.
• Professional Growth: Direct mentorship from a team of seasoned family law experts and paid training.
• Student Loan Support: We are a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Holistic Advocacy: Work within a collaborative system that addresses the root causes of our clients’ legal challenges.

The Impact You’ll Make

As a Staff Attorney in our Family Unit, you will be the voice for those navigating the complexities of the legal system during their most vulnerable moments. Your role will involve:

• Litigation & Advocacy: Managing a meaningful caseload of matrimonial and family law matters, including representation in both Supreme Court and Family Court.
• Full-Spectrum Counsel: Providing everything from high-level advice to litigation for divorce, custody, family offense, and support matters.
• Community Leadership: Conducting outreach and education to empower the Buffalo community and dismantling systemic barriers to justice.
• Collaborative Practice: Working alongside other substantive units, community partners and government agencies to ensure our clients receive comprehensive care.

What You Bring to the Team

• Credentials: A J.D. and New York State Bar Membership (we welcome applications from those with Bar Membership pending).
• Perspective: A commitment to cultural competency and a desire to work with diverse, underserved populations.
• Skills: Strong writing and editing abilities, a sharp eye for detail, and a proactive approach to learning domestic relations law.
• Bonus Points: Fluency in a second language or a background in civil legal services.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is based on bar admission and years of experience.  (Steps 1 through 22) Step 1 of the salary scale correlates to the first year of admission to the bar of any state, and date of commencement of the practice of law in that state.  Each progressive step equals an additional year of experience.

Prior credited experience is calculated from the date of admission to the bar and the date of commencement of the practice of law in that state.  If the Employee did not begin practicing law within six (6) months of being admitted, the prior experience shall be calculated on the date they began practicing law.

Current salary steps include but are not limited to:

·         Step 1 –   $  71,000.00

·         Step 5  –  $  78,156.78

·         Step 10 – $  90,338.62

·         Step 15 – $101,873.70

·         Step 22 – $120,913.76

Full-time position with a 35-hour work week and reduced summer hours.

NLS offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous PTO policy that includes: 3 weeks of vacation time, 12 paid holidays, plus a week of PTO between Christmas and New Year’s, reduced summer hours; additionally, employees have access to sick and personal leave, as well as eligibility for public student loan forgiveness. NLS also provides life insurance, a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.

How to Apply

Follow the link below to apply through ADP Workforce Now. You can also email resumes and cover letters to [email protected] No phone calls please.

Neighborhood Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize self-care and wellness to ensure our team thrives while serving our community.

NLS VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM (VAP) offers attorneys a chance to volunteer their time and expertise.  No experience in the particular field is necessary and we will train you in the area you volunteer.

You can volunteer to assist with individual clients on an as-needed basis or with one of our Attorney of the Morning Programs (AMP). NLS staffs AMPs at Buffalo City Court (Tuesday and Thursday mornings) and Niagara Falls City Court (dates vary) to assist low-income tenants facing eviction.

Volunteers must be attorneys licensed to practice law in New York State, and in good standing with the Office of Court Administration (OCA).   Volunteers must immediately notify NLS of any changes in their status. Attorneys who register with NLS and are in good standing with OCA are covered under the NLS malpractice insurance policy for the NLS cases they accept.

In order to participate with NLS, you agree to:

• Represent clients referred by NLS and in accordance with the New York State Rules of Professional Conduct;
• Respond to periodic requests for updates by NLS;
• Complete all required NLS forms;
• Notify NLS upon completion of a matter, including the amount of time spent and the tasks completed;
• Notify NLS of any changes to the attorney’s contact information or areas of interest.

If interested, please contact [email protected]

NLS accepts student volunteers throughout the year in our various offices and areas of practice.  Undergraduate students and law students are encouraged to apply.  NLS also participates in externship programs and pro bono scholarship programs (such as the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program at UB Law School).

REQUIREMENTS  NLS requires students to treat their internship/externship/volunteer opportunity like a job.  Students must be punctual, professionally dressed and reliable.  Students must act in a professional manner with staff, clients and court personnel.

STUDENT PRACTICE ORDERS  NLS generally applies for student practice orders for law students who have completed at least two (2) semesters of law school and are volunteering for a semester or the summer.  The student practice order allows the students to appear in court under the supervision of an NLS attorney.

50 HOUR PRO BONO REQUIREMENT  NLS accepts law student volunteers who wish to complete their fifty (50) hour pro bono requirement to be admitted in New York State.

If interested, please email [email protected]