Co-managing attorney

Posted: February 2026

To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Rachel Haseley, CHRO @ Rhaseley@elderjusticeny.org

Location: Buffalo, NY

Salary Range: Starting at $130,000, based on experience

About CELJ:

Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 10 counties in Western New York. Our attorneys stop illegal evictions, save clients homes from foreclosure, put a stop to elder domestic violence, fight for public benefits, work with our local immigrant & refugee populations, and represent grandparents and other kinship care relatives in custody and neglect petitions in family court. We also advocate for systems-wide policy changes, commenting frequently on changes to regulations and working with local elected leaders on legislation that will impact the poor and vulnerable older adults in our area. We believe that independence and dignity are the hallmarks of justice.

Position Summary:

Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is seeking an experienced and exceptional leader with a passion for justice to become a Co-Managing Attorney of this respected, mission-driven nonprofit. The Co-Managing Attorney will serve as an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team and reports directly to the CEO to meet the agency’s needs and assist in overall agency goals, implementation, and vision. The Senior Leadership Team consists of the CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO and four Managing Attorneys. The Co-Managing Attorney will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and support to a team of Supervising Attorneys as well as oversight of agency program operations and legal work. For leadership positions, working beyond the 40-hour work week is common.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for developing a strong understanding of each assigned unit and develop the skillset and knowledge to communicate facts and answer questions on daily operations of respective units.

  • Provide leadership, support and supervision for assigned units, including oversight of all files through one-on-one interaction and regular case review meetings.

  • Take a leadership role in complex legal, operational and personnel actions, making decisions that impact the agency.

  • Responsible for case assignments and balancing of caseloads between employees in assigned units.

  • Work closely with HR on attorney and paralegal training to ensure compliance and quality control.

  • Responsible for performance management, one-on-one meetings, ongoing support, providing feedback and conducting annual reviews for Supervising Attorneys in assigned units.

  •  Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team on:

    • agency cultural leadership and development

    • new program development

    • agency recruiting and relationship building

    • development and communications

    • advancement of agency diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

    • policy development and enforcement

    • ongoing support for new grant initiatives

    • personnel and employee discipline

  •  Represent the agency as needed at board meetings, committee meetings and community outreach.

  • Maintain and develop relationships and/or collaborative efforts with current funders, community leaders, not-for-profit agencies, other public interest offices and governmental and elected officials.

  • Work with malpractice carrier and outside counsel, as needed.

  • Provide supervision of satellite offices, as needed.

  • Step in to provide back-up as needed for temporary staff shortages.

  • Travel and evening/weekend hours required.

 Required Qualifications:

  • Admitted to practice in NYS

  • 10+ years legal experience preferred

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Will have previous experiencing managing and supervising multiple teams.

  • Will have a legal services background with a demonstrated commitment to the communities we serve.

  • Will be a solution driven, problem solver with an ability to persuade and lead staff.

  • Will be credible and discrete and operate with a high level of integrity.

  • Will demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness while working with highly confidential and privileged information.

CELJ offers a generous benefits and compensation package, including:

  • 90%-100% employer covered health premiums

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays and additional paid time off over the winter holidays.

  • Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day

  • Payment of license fees and association dues

  • Encouragement of professional development

 

CELJ 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