Staff paralegal - HOUSING Unit

Posted: July 2025

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Rachel Haseley, CHRO: rhaseley@elderjusticeny.org

Location: Center for Elder Law & Justice - 438 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 -

Department: Housing

Salary Range: Salary starts at $50,000 based on experience levels & union scale

CELJ’s Foreclosure Prevention Project (FPP) helps homeowners who are in danger of losing their home due to mortgage foreclosure. Attorneys and paralegals in this unit can assist clients with understanding their options, responding to legal documents and provide representation in court. 

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.

Essential Functions:

  • Manage caseload of housing, landlord/tenant cases in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties

  • Weekly court appearances including trials, pretrial conferences, reviews, and participation in Buffalo’s foreclosure conference part

  • Draft court documents such as petitions, orders, stipulated agreements, motions, affidavits and subpoenas

  • Advocacy outside of the courtroom, such as advocating for homeowners when speaking with lending agency representatives.

  • Assist attorney with clients & caseloads

  • Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organization, and other advocates

  • Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations

  • Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community

  • Promote the work of the office and civil practice

  • Negotiate with lenders on behalf of homeowners

  • Maintain timely and consistent client contact

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Supervise student interns

  • Travel required

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or Paralegal Certificate

  • 1-3 years of experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Strong written and oral communication skills

  • Demonstrated research and analytical skills

  • Strong attention to detail, well organized and accurate

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • Fully sponsored health, dental and vision

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays

  • Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day

  • Payment of license fees and association dues

  • Encouragement of professional development

  • Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness

To Apply:

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.