Use your talents and skills to help people and change systems. Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS), the largest provider of civil legal services in Western New York, is seeking attorneys for its Housing Unit in the Buffalo office.  The attorney will assist individuals facing challenges related to housing and landlord/tenant issues and ensure that those in need are served by systems that are just, equitable and responsive. Advocacy will include representation of individual clients and identification and advocacy to obtain systemic change through affirmative advocacy and policy work.   Your clients will include people living with low incomes, disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Salary and Benefits

$59,387 to $97,981 per year salary, dependent upon experience and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (law graduates pending admission are welcome to apply). Full time position with a 35-hour work week and shorter summer hours. Excellent benefits 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 $50,000 life insurance, pension plan, HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts, and paid memberships.

Job Description

Attorney will maintain a caseload relating to housing law and landlord/tenant law including evictions, unsafe housing conditions, public and subsidized housing related issues, and housing discrimination. The attorney will handle all aspects of legal representation of low-income clients, identify systematic problems that affect clients’ needs, and collaborate with other staff and community partners on holistic service delivery. Working relationships are established with the Housing Unit and other units at NLS as well as community partners. Work is performed under the direction and supervision of the Unit Supervising Attorney.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school, membership in New York State Bar or pending admission. Legal services background and previous experience working with low-income and/or underserved communities is preferred. Applicants are expected to have knowledge of legal principles of civil practice, strong personal work ethic, interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with a dynamic team, ability to organize and meet deadlines with minimal supervision, effective communication, and cultural competency to work with clients challenged by poverty across the spectrum of diversity.

How to Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. and reference the Housing Attorney position in the subject line. References and a writing sample will be requested after an interview.

We are looking for a File Clerk to join our Lockport, NY team at Neighborhood Legal Services. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, professional, and possess excellent communication skills.

This role is crucial in creating a positive experience for both clients and staff members. You will be responsible for providing administrative support to the office, including greeting visitors, answering phone calls and emails, scheduling appointments, maintaining filing systems, and preparing documents such as letters, reports, and presentations.

You must have an eye for detail with a can-do attitude; be able to prioritize tasks, juggle multiple responsibilities efficiently, and handle interruptions calmly. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable working independently but also enjoys being part of a team. Knowledge of legal terminology would be beneficial but not required.

If you have the skills and experience to be our Administrative team as a File Clerk, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining why you’re the ideal candidate for this role. We look forward to hearing from you!

The File Clerk is responsible for:

– Greeting visitors professionally and courteously

– Answering phones promptly and accurately

– Scheduling meetings and maintaining client calendars

– Managing emails from clients including responding to inquiries in a timely manner

– Taking accurate messages for staff members

– Filing documents/paperwork according to established procedures

– Assisting with other administrative tasks as needed

– Keeping track of office supplies and ordering new stock when necessary

– Coordinating travel arrangements for staff members

– Preparing expense reports as required

– Assisting with event planning, such as coordinating conferences and meetings.

 

Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or equivalent is required, plus two years of office experience in a similar role. An associate’s degree in business or a related field is preferred. Previous experience working in a legal services environment is also desirable but not necessary.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package included.

Experience: Entry Level

Education: Associate’s Degree (Preferred)

Language: Bilingual (Preferred)

 

Job Location: This position is based out of the Neighborhood Legal Services Office located in Lockport, New York.

 

• This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) with benefits including FREEmedical, dental, and vision coverage options. The annual compensation for this position ranges between $32,000 to $42,000. Salary is based on level of experience. If you think you would be the perfect fit for this role, we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume today.

How to Apply

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected] and reference the Administrative Assistance position in the subject line. References will be requested after an interview

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Navigator-Paralegal will screen and enroll individuals and families into health insurance through the New York State of Health Marketplace and provide community education on the NYSOH Marketplace in our Buffalo office.

Essential Functions:

The responsibilities of the position follow:

• Advise consumers on eligibility for premium subsidies and public health insurance programs, like Medicaid and Child Health Plus;
• Enroll consumers into public and/or private health coverage in the New York of Health Marketplace;
• Help consumers choose an appropriate qualified health plan;
• Educate consumers on their benefits and responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act;
• Make sure all applications are accurately completed and submitted on time, adhering to submission deadlines;
• Maintain thorough case records of services provided, advice and/or referrals;
• Schedule and maintain appointments with potentially eligible consumers;
• Meet productivity and quality performance targets;
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings;
• Conduct community outreach to potential enrollees, community partners and attend outreach events;
• Other responsibilities identified by Supervisor.

 

Core Competencies

• Strong personal work ethic and ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet critical deadlines with minimal supervision;
• 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

• College degree, paralegal certification or equivalent experience required;
• Obtain a certification through the New York State of Health Marketplace.  Any applicants who are not currently certified would have to attend online training to obtain certification.  If there is a cost associated with the certification, NLS will be responsible.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and knowledge of community resources; and
• Self-motivated and dependable;
• Excellent communication skills for client intake, client follow-up and attorney interface
• Excellent organizational skills and calendaring awareness
• Community engagement and working with community partners with ease;
• Willingness to work as a team member.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work in an office environment including working at workstation, attending meetings;
• Traveling to meetings and off-site partner agencies and community events;
• 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.

How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected] and reference Erie County Navigator in the subject line. References will be requested after an interview.

Advocacy Director

Department: Management, Non-Union

JOB SUMMARY:

NLS is seeking an experienced attorney with strong litigation, advocacy, and management skills to actively develop and manage impact litigation and lead our management team. The position is for a key leadership role within NLS and reports to the Deputy Director. Advocacy Director will work closely with Supervising Attorneys/Program Directors and staff to identify systemic legal problems and develop impact litigation docket to further NLS’ mission and goals.

Essential Functions:

1. Litigation Program (50%)

• Develop and maintain aggressive impact litigation and advocacy docket, which advances NLS’ strategic priorities;
• Manage all aspects of NLS’ litigation program, including coordinating case selection with the Executive and/or Deputy Director, overseeing the investigation and development of cases prior to filing litigation, and building litigation teams with NLS staff attorneys, pro bono attorneys, and other partners;
• Provide mentorship and training on high-impact litigation cases to staff;
• Oversee litigation in federal and state court and ensure effective client counseling;
• Maintain an individual caseload and manage demand letters, public records requests, legal and policy reports and analysis, pre-litigation investigations, discovery, motion practice, brief writing, hearings and trials, appellate work, and amicus briefs;
• Track litigation work and prepare quarterly reports for NLS’ Board of Directors; and
• Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations, as well as pro bono attorneys, to help build capacity for the impact litigation docket at NLS.

2. Leadership and Supervision (30%)

• Supervise the management team of four Supervising Attorneys and four Program Directors; provide leadership, direction and day-to-day supervision on all aspects of work;
• Conduct bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with each Supervising Attorney/Program Director to assess work, caseloads, and to provide direction and feedback;

• Foster an organizational culture that empowers staff and encourages professional development; and

• Assist with annual reviews of staff.

3. Policy Advocacy and Organizational Visioning (20%)

• Assist the Executive Director and Deputy Director with new program development, keep abreast of current programs and grant requirements;
• Represent NLS in meetings with stakeholders, public conferences, and in other outreach efforts that are strategically and concretely aligned with the development of complex litigation and policy advocacy; and
• Promote the work of NLS and civil practice.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Supervise student interns, as needed
• Some travel is required

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree;
• Admitted to practice law in the State of NY;
• 10+ years of trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts with a strong background in civil practice;
• 5+ years of management experience;
• Record of handling cases from investigation through all stages of federal and/or state courts and administrative forums
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational, leadership, and analytical skills
• Strong self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills
• Values diversity, equity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive federal court experience
• Fluency in language other than English
• Experience with public policy, government, nonprofit organizations, or community

organizing

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary range is $120,000 to $135,000 and is based on experience. Full-time position with a 35-hour work week and shorter summer hours. Excellent benefits 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 $50,000 life insurance, pension plan, HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts, and paid memberships.

Organization Overview:

Neighborhood Legal Services (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 helps thousands of clients each year in many different areas. We represent clients who are about to be evicted, or who have no money for food or rent. We represent victims of domestic violence, members of LGBTQ+ community, and veterans. We represent people with disabilities who are unable to work, or who are trying to get back into the work world. We help children with profound physical disabilities who need medical equipment just to live day-to-day. We invite you to use your talents and skills to help people and change systems.

How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected] and reference Advocacy Director in the subject line. References will be requested after an interview.