Public Benefits Staff Attorney: Community Impact

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. of Western New York; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 71,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Pension plan

3 weeks vacation + 12 paid holidays +

Paid time off between Christmas and NY

Job summary

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. of Western New York seeks a Staff Attorney for Public Benefits in Niagara Falls to manage a caseload focused on Temporary Cash Assistance, SNAP, and related entitlements.

You will review notices, advise clients, negotiate with the county social services agency, and represent clients at hearings and in litigation. The role emphasizes ongoing legal learning, advocacy, and system-wide issue identification, with training provided whether you are newly admitted or an

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

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

Skills

Strong writing skills

Verbal communication

Cultural competency

Attention to detail

Behavioral competencies

Education

J.D. and NYS Bar Admission

Job description

Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. of Western New York seeks a Staff Attorney for Public Benefits in Niagara Falls to manage a caseload focused on Temporary Cash Assistance, SNAP, and related entitlements.

You will review notices, advise clients, negotiate with the county social services agency, and represent clients at hearings and in litigation. The role emphasizes ongoing legal learning, advocacy, and system-wide issue identification, with training provided whether you are newly admitted or an