Staff Attorney - Elder Abuse
Posted: March 2024
To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Chandler Jones, HR Manager: cjones@elderjusticeny.org
Location: Center for Elder Law & Justice - 438 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 - About Us
Department: Elder Abuse
Salary Range: Salary Range – 60k – 90k *Beginning April 2024 – 65k – 100k Salary is based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.
This position will be based out of Dunkirk ideally, but we are open to discussing travel arrangements from our Buffalo or Olean offices.
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:
Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Attorney will be responsible for assisting their department to ensure that the firm represents clients in a holistic manner to achieve clients’ goals through aggressive advocacy, including litigation. The Attorney will work closely with the paralegals and support staff to develop and implement the firm’s mission and goals.
REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Determine acceptance of new cases, course of action, and further legal proceedings if appropriate venue
Carry a caseload with paralegal supervision
Provide representation on statewide task forces regarding Elder Abuse issues
Provide representation in court & hearings (local, State, and Federal agencies)
Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organizations, and other advocates
Advocate for legislation and determining lobbying proprieties
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:
Supervise student interns, as needed
Some travel is required
Client home visits, as needed
May need to work evening hours, as needed
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Juris Doctor (JD) Degree
Admitted to practice in NYS
At least 3 years of practice experience, preferred
Experience with elder abuse or another sensitive client base, very helpful
Litigation experience, desirable
Trauma informed care experience, preferred
Legal services background, or knowledge of general civil legal work
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Strong written and oral communication skills
Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, with a high caseload
Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy
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
Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness