Paralegal- Kinship

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 Kinship Unit. Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, 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 Family Unit cases under the supervision of an attorney.

  • Assist with managing caseload of custody, guardianship, and adoption cases in Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua Counties.

  • Provide administrative support for attorneys in court and at the office.

  • Assist attorneys in preparation for court and administrative appearances and hearings.

  • Intake of new clients.

  • Investigate and fact-find for cases.

  • Communicate with clients throughout their cases.

  • Identify relevant legal articles, laws, and judicial decisions for cases.

  • Assist in preparing legal documents such as legal arguments, motions, contracts, and agreements.

  • Organize, index, and track files.

  • Analyze and organize information to produce reports.

  • 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.

  • Work with pro bono lawyers and partner organizations.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Some travel 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: 

  • 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