Join NLS Today!

Organization Overview:

Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) is the largest provider of civil legal services in Western New York, with a central office in Buffalo and offices in Batavia, Lockport, and Niagara Falls. NLS helps thousands of clients each year in many different areas. We represent clients who are about to be evicted or need money for food or rent. We represent victims of domestic violence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans. We represent people with disabilities who cannot work or are trying to return to the work world. We help children with profound physical disabilities who need medical equipment to live day-to-day. We invite you to use your talents and skills to help people and change systems.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Maintains a caseload serving low-income clients relating to Housing law, including evictions, conditions and discrimination. Handles all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, working with support staff, and hearing and trial work. Implements grant and contract requirements through casework and fosters pro bono involvement with the private bar.

Essential Responsibilities / Functions:

• Provide a spectrum of legal assistance from advice/counsel by phone to affirmative litigations in a wide range of issues;
• Identify systemic problems that affect our clients’ rights and address these challenges through affirmative advocacy, impact litigation, and policy work;
• Collaborate and coordinate with other NLS staff and community partners to assure effective referrals and holistic service delivery;
• Conduct community outreach, education and training;
• Ensure that all written work product is grammatically correct, carefully edited, well written, and appropriate for its audience;
• Develop relationships and engage in collaborations with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies, courts, and community based organizations, to ensure integrative services and address systemic barriers facing our client community;
• Demonstrate cultural competency to work with low-income clients across the spectrum of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and limited English proficiency;
• Develop a substantive knowledge of all areas of law that impact our clients;
• Maintain a current knowledge of developments in law, civil procedure, and civil litigation law and strategies; and
• Develop a substantive knowledge of the social and economic forces that create poverty and inequality in the United States.

Consistent demonstration of proficient skills, including the following:

• Communicate with clients (including groups of clients), co-workers, community partners, opposing counsel, judges and court staff effectively;
• Analyze applicable legal issues, perform legal research skills, plan case strategy;
• Gather facts, give appropriate advice and referral, draft all necessary documents, negotiate settlements if appropriate;
• Try cases effectively in city, county, state and/or federal court and administrative hearings;
• Address issues in a timely manner;
• Organize and maintain appropriate documentation of activities;
• Show commitment to bringing justice to low-income WNY Use computers as needed, including word processing and email;
• Demonstrate good judgment, ability to handle stress, and initiative on a consistent basis;
• Demonstrate a willingness to work as a team, and an overall positive attitude;
• Engage in progressively more complex litigation and show creativity in advocacy;
• Maintain contacts with community agencies and local client groups;
• Speak to community groups and others and prepare materials for presentation;
• Prioritize and implement NLS policies and procedures appropriately;
• Follow instructions from a supervisor; and Other appropriate functions when necessary.

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 and healthcare partner 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 the diverse communities is a plus.

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; additionally, employees have access to sick and personal leave. NLS also provides life insurance, a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.

Qualifications:

• J.D. and New York State Bar Membership (may be pending)
• Previous experience working with low-income and/or underserved communities preferred
• Second language fluency preferred
• Legal services background, or knowledge of general civil legal work;

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.

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

Organization Overview:

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. (NLS) is the largest provider of civil legal services in Western New York with a main office in Buffalo and offices in Batavia, Lockport, and Niagara Falls. NLS advocates for thousands of clients each year in many different legal subject areas. NLS’ staff represent clients who are facing eviction, families who have no money for food or rent, survivors and victims of domestic violence, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. We invite you to join our team and to use your talents and skills to help people and change systems.

Job Summary:

NLS is seeking an experienced attorney with a passion for innovation, litigation experience, and a commitment to increasing access to legal services for low-income Western New Yorkers to join its dedicated team of managers, staff attorneys, paralegals, and support staff as an Assistant Supervising Attorney of the Housing Unit.

The Assistant Supervising Attorney will be responsible for assisting with the direct supervision of Housing Unit staff. Direct supervision will include substantive supervision of staff caseloads, regular case reviews, and ensuring compliance with office-wide policies and Legal Services Corporation regulations. The responsibilities will also include maintaining a litigation and eviction defense caseload, and the supervision of the representation of individuals facing eviction and related housing issues. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the Supervising Attorney of the Housing Unit to shape the direction of the Unit, to identify systemic housing-related issues and to develop affirmative impact litigation on behalf of tenants with the goal of removing barriers to safe, fair, and affordable housing. The Assistant Supervising Attorney will also work with the Supervising Attorney to handle administrative and grant responsibilities and to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

Essential Functions:

• Reporting to the Housing Unit’s Supervising Attorney, the Assistant Supervising Attorney will assist with the management of the day-to-day operations of the unit. The successful applicant will be located primarily in Buffalo but will assist with the supervision of attorneys and staff in the Niagara County offices and will be called upon to consult with attorneys across the organization, including our Batavia office, serving Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.
• Responsible for the regular review of the work performed, development of necessary training and unit litigation strategies.
• Assist with administrative duties, including developing and implementing policies and procedures for the Unit, assuring that these policies and procedures are integrated with and conform to those of the organization.
• Ensure that staff maintain case and client records as required in our computerized case management program.
• Develop and implement a community outreach and education plan to reach NLS’ service area.
• Review applications for service and make eligibility determinations in accordance with grant and funding requirements and assist with work assignments.
• Work closely with members of NLS’ management team, including finance, grants compliance, and HR staff in ensuring compliance with the organization’s fiscal and personnel policies and procedures.
• Develop relationships and engage in collaborations with a range of public and private community partners, including governmental agencies, courts, and community-based organizations, to ensure integrative services and address systemic barriers facing our client community.
• Committed to leading by example, high professional integrity, and maintaining civility in all interactions with staff, legal opponents, and community-at-large, and capable of addressing client and staff concerns in an empathetic and confident manner.

Required Qualifications and Core Competencies:

• Law degree (JD) & active New York license.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a private practice or legal services setting, or the equivalent.
• Prior management experience in a legal setting preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated commitment to develop team members and demonstrated leadership skills.
• Prior litigation experience in state and/or federal venues
• Experience working at a legal services nonprofit preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic and multi‐sector team.
• Excellent writing and editing skills and a demonstrated ability to ensure that all written work product is grammatically correct, carefully edited, well written, and appropriate for its audience.
• Demonstrated cultural competency 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.
• Commitment to address systemic poverty, race, and justice issues, as well as to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in a diverse workplace.

Salary and Benefits:

Annual compensation – $120,000 – $130,000

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

This is a 9-week program beginning on Monday, June 1, 2026, and concluding on Friday, July 31, 2026. 

Neighborhood Legal Services is currently accepting applications for Legal Internships. This 9-week program serves clients in Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, and Orleans counties. As a free civil legal services firm, we specialize in a wide range of legal areas, including domestic violence prevention, divorce, eviction prevention, health insurance access, disability, SNAP, shelter, and other government benefits. This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in public interest law while making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Requirements:
NLS holds our student volunteers to the same standards as our staff members. We require students to treat their internship, externship, or volunteer opportunity as a professional commitment. This includes punctuality, professional attire, and reliability. Students are expected to maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with staff, clients, and court personnel.

Essential Functions:
The Legal Intern performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Assist Staff Attorneys with the preparation of legal documents for trials, hearings, and depositions;
• Attend trials, hearings, depositions, and related events;
• Provide critical research and feedback to the attorneys for any case, study, or assigned tasks;
• Proofread and provide content suggestions for legal documentation;
• Provide general legal support to the program attorneys, plus other duties and special projects as assigned;
• 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.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school;
• Commitment to the mission and vision of NLS;
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint);
• Ability to write and present in a polished and professional manner;
• Strong communication skills;
• Must have the highest standard of organization and attention to detail;
• Passionate about issues affecting individuals with disabilities (preferred);
• Excellent legal research skills;
• Able to work independently;
• Ability to prioritize and manage projects and tasks to meet deadlines;

Student Practice Orders:
NLS typically applies for student practice orders for law students who have completed a minimum of two (2) semesters of law school and are volunteering for a semester or during the summer. The student practice order enables students to appear in court under the supervision of an NLS attorney, providing them with valuable courtroom experience and the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our clients.

Salary & Hours:

The pay for this position is $20 /Hr. The work week is 35 hours a week.

Join our team and help us make a positive impact on the lives of those in need while building your legal career. Apply today to be part of our dedicated and passionate team at Neighborhood Legal Services.

Neighborhood Legal Services is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background and experiences.

To apply, please send your resume to [email protected]

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]