Paralegal- Consumer/Health care

POSTED: July 2026

TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to Chandler Jones, HR Manager cjones@elderjusticeny.org

LOCATION: Buffalo Office

RATE: Salary starts at $51,836.00 based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.  

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.

JOB SUMMARY: Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is seeking a Full-Time Staff paralegal for our Consumer and Health Care Unit. Reporting to the Supervising Attorneys of the Consumer and Health Care Unit, the paralegal will handle assisting their department to ensure that the firm stands for clients in a holistic manner to achieve clients’ goals through aggressive advocacy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Handle a variety of consumer cases directly or through supervision of attorneys by providing advice, advocacy, assistance in investigation, negotiation and litigation support

  • Provide representation in with local, State, and federal agencies

  • Coordinate and collaborate with other groups and organizations

  • Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community

  • Work with pro bono lawyers and partner organizations 

  • Ability to demonstrate utmost confidentiality in all matters

  • Provide administrative support for attorneys at the office

  • Investigate and fact-find for cases

  • Communicate with clients throughout their cases

  • Organize, index, and track files

  • Potential to represent clients directly in Medicaid and Medicare Fair Hearings, depending on skill, as supervised by Attorney

  • Assist with client communication throughout the case

  • Assist with providing referrals, self-help materials, and other resources to clients

  • Assist with special projects, such as development of self-help materials

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Some travel may be required

  • Special projects, as assigned

  • In-home client visits, as needed

  • Client visits bedside at hospitals and nursing homes, as needed

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

  • Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community

  • Promote the work of the office and civil practice

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • 2-5 years of experience

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

  • Highly motivated and passionate about public service work

  • Experience in the field of health care and health insurance, preferred

  • Experience with legal research & writing, as this position will require heavy amounts of policy research and letter drafting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Strong written and oral communication skills 

  • Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills 

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

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including:

  • Extremely generous PTO 

  • 90% employer covered health, dental & vision 

  • Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays. Including a week off between Christmas Day to New Years Day 

  • Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day 

  • Payment of license fees and association dues 

  • Encouragement of professional development 

  • Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness 

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