Attorney

About the role

Neighborhood Legal Services is a not-for-profit public interest law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. This position is in our Niagara Falls office.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, hearing and trial work, and work with support staff;
• Fulfill all grant and contract requirements through casework, time-keeping, and record-keeping;
• Develop and maintain 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;
• 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 – training will be provided)
• Demonstrated commitment and cultural sensitivity to low-income and underserved communities.
• Strong writing skills and verbal communication.
• Strong behavioral competencies.
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills.
• Previous experience working with low-income and/or underserved communities preferred
• Second language fluency preferred

Benefits

This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous PTO policy, reduced summer hours, and access to sick and personal leave, as well as eligibility for public student loan forgiveness. Employees also have access to a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.

Pay

Salary is based on bar admission and years of experience. Steps 1 through 22 of the salary scale correlate to the first year of admission to the bar of any state, and date of commencement of the practice of law in that state. Each progressive step equals an additional year of experience. Current salary steps include but are not limited to: Step 1 - $ 71,000.00 Step 5 - $ 78,156.78 Step 10 - $ 90,338.62 Step 15 - $101,873.70 Step 22 - $120,913.76

Schedule

Full-time position with a 35-hour work week and reduced summer hours.

Contact

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, writing sample and 3 references to HR@nls.org. No phone calls please.