The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) has an immediate opening for a Full-Time Attorney to work within our Eviction Department. The attorney will be representing low to moderate income tenants facing evictions as well as other legal issues relating to their tenancy.
Our office is located in Cathedral Park Tower at 37 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. Court appearances will be in-person or virtual in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and/or Niagara Counties. Night appearances may occasionally be required. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the office.
WNYLC offers a competitive salary, generous benefits package, and platinum health insurance plan with flexible spending account (FSA) funds given to employees each year. There is a 35-hour minimum work week and generous leave packages (up to 70 hours of sick time, 14 hours of personal time, and 105-161 hours of vacation time per year.) Full time employees receive individual life insurance term policies in an amount equal to two times the employee’s annual salary (up to $200,000.) On an annual basis, the Board considers a retirement benefit expressed as a percentage of the employee’s annual salary.
WNYLC is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1996 after Congress restricted the types of cases that Legal Services Corporation (LSC) grantees could handle. The Center represents low-income Western New Yorkers in civil matters, emphasizing those areas restricted by LSC, including consumer debt. Our vision and mission with respect to our legal work is to assure that low-income people receive the full range of civil legal services including “non-traditional” legal assistance like policy advocacy and legal education. As part of our work, we administer the Buffalo branch of CLARO, a consumer debt program 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. We represent individuals and engage in broad-based impact advocacy. 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
- Dedication to public interest work
- 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
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 Jordan Modrzynski, Esq., Evictions Supervising Attorney, at jmodrzynski@wnylc.net. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 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.
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