Staff Attorney: Civil Unit - Buffalo Office

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a full‑time Staff Attorney for its Buffalo, NY office. The attorney will develop cases for pro bono referral and manage a full representation caseload in civil matters such as divorce, end‑of‑life planning, name changes, bankruptcies, estates, and related areas. The position offers a hybrid remote/in‑office schedule after a 90‑day introductory period.

Responsibilities

• Provide full representation, brief service, and counsel in a wide array of civil practice areas, including but not limited to divorce, end‑of‑life planning, name changes, bankruptcies, estates, and other civil matters.
• Prepare cases for referral and collaborate with VLP’s Pro Bono Program Manager to refer cases to pro bono attorneys and follow up as needed.
• Ensure timely opening and closing of files, maintain appropriate notes, and adhere to file‑maintenance policies.
• Participate in regular case conferences with the supervisor and unit as directed.
• Maintain accurate electronic client files by promptly uploading documents, recording substantive case activity and communications in the case management system, and managing matter lifecycles per office procedures.
• Work collaboratively with paralegals, support staff, and interns.
• Travel as required (valid NYS driver’s license and regular vehicle access required).
• Assist in community outreach at events, including presentations, tabling, or staffing clinics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Admitted to practice law in New York State and in good standing.
• 1–4 years of experience in civil matters.

Skills

• Strong organizational, time‑management, and problem‑solving abilities; capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with clients, colleagues, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low‑income and underserved clients.
• Attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate, timely, and organized case records.
• Proficiency in collecting, managing, and accurately entering case and program data.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and public‑speaking skills.
• Comfort with a paperless office and proficiency in electronic case management (Legal Server) and technology tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience with case management systems (especially Legal Server) and databases preferred.

Schedule

Hybrid remote/in‑office schedule available after successful completion of a 90‑day introductory period.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range: $68,000 – $80,133, based on years of relevant work experience.
• Employer‑paid benefits: 90% of health‑insurance premiums, Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) account, long‑term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, 403(b) contributions, Employee Assistance Program.
• Additional pre‑tax employee contribution options: Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403(b) plan.
• Reimbursement of notary application/renewal and attorney registration fees, if applicable.
• Loan forgiveness eligibility: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and District Attorney and Indigent Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness (DALF) programs.
• Paid time off: 18 paid holidays (including Dec 24 – Jan 1), 2 Sunshine Days (May – Sept, prorated), flexible schedule, discouragement of weekend work, and PTOD (paid time off for development).
• Vacation: 11 vacation days + 2 personal days in year 1; 15 vacation days + 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6).
• Sick leave: 10 sick days per year (5 front‑loaded, 5 accrued).