Staff paralegal - Medical legal unit
Posted: June 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: Medical Legal Unit.
Salary Range: Salary starts at $50,000 based on experience levels & union scale
This is an exciting role that will work within our medical-legal partnership, the MedLaw Partnership of WNY, ECMC Division, throughout local Buffalo hospitals. The ideal candidate will be a skillful paralegal who can excel in a fast-paced, dynamic hospital environment, where collaboration with medical staff and engaging with clients on a daily basis is a necessity. This position will play an active and important role in the implementation of the MedLaw project, including assisting in the development of processes and protocols.
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:
Paralegal is responsible for contact with potential clients, screening for immediate needs, and direct client contact throughout case.
Paralegal will be required to travel between hospitals and most work will take place in the hospital office setting. Travel amongst different WNY counties may also be required.
This position reports to the MedLaw attorney(s) in the unit.
Should demonstrate strong listening skills and patience with clients, knowledge of community resources and working closely with attorneys on creative solutions to cases.
Preferred Qualifications:
2-5 years of experience
Highly motivated and passionate about public service work, with sensitivity to those in crisis
College degree, or equivalent paralegal experience required; paralegal certificate helpful
Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, healthcare providers, community organizations, attorneys, and the public
Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy
Legal services background helpful
Knowledge of Healthcare Law, also helpful
CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:
Generous vacation and sick time
Employer covered health, dental & vision
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
Salary starting at $43,816, based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.
To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Rachel Haseley, CHRO, rhaseley@elderjusticeny.org
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