Full Time Paralegal

Posted: January 2026

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Chandler Jones, Human Resources Manager, at cjones@elderjusticeny.org. No phone calls please.

Location: This role can be based out of Dunkirk or Buffalo offices. Travel between offices will be required.

Salary Range: Starting at $50,000 annually

Department: Elder Abuse

Reports To: Supervising Attorney

About CELJ:

Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) 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.

Job Summary:

Center for Elder Law & Justice is looking to fill a paralegal position to work in our Elder Abuse unit. The ideal candidate will have legal services background with a strong compassion for public service work.

Essential Functions:

  • Paralegal is responsible for initial contact with potential clients, screening for immediate needs, and direct client contact throughout case. 

  • Paralegal will need to undergo trauma-informed training, if not already trained. 

  • Should demonstrate strong listening skills and patience with clients, knowledge of community resources and working closely with attorneys and social workers on creative solutions to cases. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2-5 years of experience

  • Experience working with individuals in crisis, very helpful

  • Highly motivated and passionate about public service work

  • College degree, or equivalent paralegal experience required; paralegal certificate helpful

  • Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills

  • Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy

  • Travel required for client visits, conferences and amongst CELJ locations

  • May need to work evening hours, as needed

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • Generous vacation and sick time

  • Extremely generous holiday time

  • 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.