Attorney-General

A Nonprofit Legal Services Organization, the largest provider of civil legal services in western New York, is seeking a dynamic staff attorney for its Batavia office. The staff attorney will maintain a caseload relating to housing law, public benefits, family law, disability law, and consumer issues.

Essential Responsibilities / Functions:

• Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, working with support staff, and hearing and trial work;
• Fulfill all grant and contract requirements through casework, timekeeping, record-keeping, and fostering pro bono involvement with the private bar;
• Develop a working knowledge of the areas of law that impact our clients,
• Identify other legal needs of clients to ensure that NLS can provide holistic representation and referrals;
• Collaborate and coordinate with other NLS staff and community partners to ensure effective referrals and holistic service delivery;
• Identify systemic problems that affect our clients' rights;
• Conduct community outreach, education and training;
• Demonstrate cultural competency to work with clients of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio?economic status, age, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and limited English proficiency;
• Maintain a current knowledge of developments in civil procedure and civil litigation law; and
• Develop an understanding of the social and economic forces that create poverty and inequality in our community.

Qualifications:

• J.D. and NYS Bar Admission (considered if applicant has passed the bar exam with admission pending)
• Previous experience working with low-income and/or underserved communities preferred
• Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to low-income and underserved communities
• Second language fluency preferred