Description:

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit to contribute to our impact on Western New York communities. This Attorneys' Union position will primarily focus on representing indigent people in Buffalo City Court Housing Court. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York community by handling every aspect of a client's housing code violation case that is assigned to them. Given the nature of our work, this Staff Attorney position is expected to work primarily on-site from our office located at 290 Main St., Buffalo, NY.

Who are we?
The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has been providing access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community for over 100 years. Using a holistic approach, we provide quality, client-centered legal representation in a vast range of criminal and civil matters such as mandated criminal defense, mandated child and youth representation, consumer credit, employment, education, family, post-conviction, appeals, housing, employment, and immigration. Please visit our website to learn more.

Why Join Us?
Mission-Drive Culture:

Supportive work environment
Opportunities to learn and grow through collaboration with colleagues
Schedule Flexibility within operating hours; 7:45 am – 6 pm.
Competitive Pay: Salary ranging from $83,959 to $108,058 commensurate with relevant experience.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
Extensive paid time off programs – holiday, vacation, personal, sick time, and more
Paid parenthood leave plan.
401(k) retirement plan with contributions made by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. between 6 and 8% when eligible.
Life insurance.
Voluntary supplemental insurance offering, which include short-term disability, long-term disability, term life insurance plus more.
Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, flexible spending account, and more.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:
Includes but is not limited to:

Appears at arraignment and subsequent court dates with clients.
Reviews accusatory instruments and makes arguments as to dismissal.
Conducts eligibility screenings where applicable.
Meets with and remains in touch with clients following arraignment and at regular intervals during the pendency of the case. Client meetings may take place in the office, out of the office, over electronic communication and at the Erie County Holding Center, the Erie County Correctional Facility or other correctional facilities as appropriate.
Conducts investigations or retains the service of internal and external investigators as appropriate to gather evidence, locate witnesses and prepare defense materials.
Researches and writes motions and makes oral arguments on points of law at hearings and court appearances.
Discusses with client and attempts resolution of ancillary issues affecting client's life including employment issues, treatment and other matters as applicable.
Retains and prepares expert witnesses as applicable.
Prepares for and conducts non-jury trials.
Prepares pre-sentencing memorandums in consultation with CDU Social Workers.
Maintains legible and complete client files to allow for accurate data recording.
Provides coverage for attorneys occupied with court matters and/or those out on leave.
Remains abreast of updates in both the City of Buffalo Housing Codes and County of Erie Housing Codes and attends classes and seminars to bolster knowledge and improve performance.
Meets regularly with CDU Management staff to discuss status of cases.
Performs other duties as assigned by CDU Management.

Employment Standards:

Active membership in the State Bar of New York.
At least two years of experience as an attorney in the practice Housing Code Violations preferred; or
A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.

Additional Requirements:

Possession of a valid New York State Driver's License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours, or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristic or protected class.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Following a review of applications, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. will only contact those applicants whose backgrounds align with the qualifications outlined above.