Staff Attorney - Civil Unit - Buffalo, NY

ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project - VLP; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance 90% paid by VLP

HRA funded by employer

Vision benefits

Dental benefits

Life/AD&D insurance

FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Pre-tax transit/parking

403(b) with employer contributions (24

Job summary

ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project - VLP in Buffalo, NY seeks a Full-Time Staff Attorney in the Civil Unit. The role emphasizes direct client advocacy, collaboration with volunteer attorneys, and ongoing professional growth. A January 2027 start is anticipated and training is available.

The organization expands access to justice for low-income clients and offers a supportive, mission-driven environment with substantial training opportunities and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• JD required and admission to New York State in good standing.
• We welcome attorneys with 1–3 years of experience and will provide training in civil matters.
• Strong writing, advocacy, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients through full representation, brief services, and advice and counsel in civil matters.
• Handle cases including estate matters, end of life planning, bankruptcy, name changes, and divorce.
• Maintain organized electronic case files and case management records.
• Participate in case conferences and collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, staff, and interns; support outreach via clinics and events.

Skills

Writing skills

Advocacy

Organization

Communication

Team collaboration

Independence

Education

J.D. degree

Tools

LegalServer

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Teams

SharePoint

Job description

Full-Time Staff Attorney, Civil Unit, Buffalo, NY (Training Available!)

Make a meaningful impact. Build your Career. Expand access to justice.

Note: We require both a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position to consider your application.

We are interviewing for a January 2027 start date.

At the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. (VLP), we believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of income. Every day, our team helps individuals and families navigate life-changing legal issues and also connects eligible clients with pro bono attorneys who are committed to making a difference. If you're looking for a role that combines direct client advocacy, meaningful public service, and professional growth, we'd love to meet you.

Who We Are

VLP is a nonprofit civil legal services organization dedicated to expanding access to justice for low-income members of our community. We work alongside volunteer attorneys, community partners, and dedicated staff to provide legal assistance in a variety of civil legal matters. Our team is collaborative, mission-driven, and committed to helping people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

What You'll Bring To The Role

You are a compassionate advocate who enjoys helping clients solve problems and navigate complex legal systems. You thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate effectively with diverse populations, and balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail. You have some experience as an attorney and are interested in learning new areas of Civil Law.

• J.D. degree required.
• Admitted to practice law in New York State and in good standing.
• We especially encourage applications from attorneys with 1-3 years of experience - we will train you in the civil legal matters which we handle!
• Strong writing, advocacy, organization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities.
• Valid New York State driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Technology skills to work in a fully paperless office. Experience with LegalServer, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint is a plus.

What You'll Do

As a Staff Attorney in our Civil Unit, you'll handle a caseload of clients (full representation) and also help prepare cases for pro bono representation through volunteer attorneys. Your work will include both hands-on client advocacy and collaboration with volunteer attorneys. You'll work directly with your Supervisor and the rest of the team to learn new areas of law and build your skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent clients through full representation, brief services, and advice and counsel in a variety of civil legal matters.
• Handle cases involving estate matters, end of life planning, bankruptcy, name changes, divorce, and other civil legal issues.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic case files and case management records.
• Participate in case conferences and collaborate closely with attorneys, paralegals, support staff, and interns.Support community outreach efforts through legal clinics, presentations, and community events.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• 35-hour work weeks and unmatched work-life balance.
• Extremely flexible schedule and hybrid work environment with two days in-office per week in 2027 (after completing your introductory period).
• No billable hours, step off the private practice treadmill. We strongly discourage evening and weekend work.
• Access federal and state student loan forgiveness opportunities, including the NYS District Attorney and Legal Services Attorney Loan Forgiveness Program, beginning if your fourth year of employment.
• Make a direct impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community.
• Gain experience across a broad range of civil legal practice areas.
• Work alongside passionate advocates and dedicated pro bono attorneys.
• Develop your skills in litigation, client counseling, community outreach, and nonprofit legal services - we will train you!
• Great benefits - medical insurance is 90% paid by VLP and we fund a generous HRA to help you meet your deductible. Other benefits include vision, dental, life/AD&D, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, pretax transit/parking, and 403(b) with employer contributions after 24 months.
• Join a supportive, mission-driven organization where your work truly matters.

VLP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital and familial status, domestic violence victim status, disability, military status, or protected veteran status.

For more information, visit our website at www.ecbavlp.com

Salary: $68000 - $80133 per year