Staff Attorney – Eviction & Foreclosure Defense

Western New York Law Center; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Paid life insurance

Pension plan

PSLF eligible employer

Hybrid work schedule

Travel reimbursement

Job summary

Western New York Law Center (WNYLC) is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our Eviction and Foreclosure Defense team in Buffalo, NY. This role focuses on direct representation for tenants facing eviction and homeowners at risk of foreclosure, with a mission to advance housing justice across Western New York.

The attorney will engage in community outreach, advocacy, and collaboration with other practice groups to address systemic poverty and housing insecurity while providing essential legal

Qualifications

• Admitted to the New York State Bar or pending admission.
• Commitment to serving low‑income and underserved communities.
• Dedication to public interest work and advancing access to justice.
• Experience or interest in landlord‑tenant, housing, or foreclosure defense is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent tenants facing eviction and homeowners facing foreclosure through advice, negotiation, motion practice, discovery, and litigation.
• Engage in community outreach and coalition-building to expand access to legal resources.
• Collaborate with colleagues to provide holistic legal services across practice areas.
• Participate in policy advocacy and legislative activities advancing housing stability and economic justice.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations and service providers throughout Western New York.

Skills

Eviction defense

Foreclosure defense

Public interest law

Litigation

Legal research

Education

New York State Bar Admission

Job description

Location: Buffalo, NY (Hybrid) | Full-Time – 35 Hours

Salary Range: $71,500 – $91,100 Annually

Make an Impact Where It Matters Most

The Western New York Law Center (WNYLC) is seeking a passionate Staff Attorney to join our Eviction and Foreclosure Defense team. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to represent tenants facing housing instability and homeowners at risk of losing their homes while helping advance housing justice across Western New York.

You will provide direct legal representation, engage in community-based advocacy, and contribute to broader efforts that address the systemic causes of poverty, discrimination, and housing insecurity.

Why Join WNYLC

• Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team committed to protecting housing stability through direct representation, policy advocacy, community lawyering, and systemic reform efforts.
• Collaborative & Supportive Environment: Work alongside experienced attorneys and advocates in a team-based structure that prioritizes mentorship, professional growth, and shared problem-solving.
• Community-Focused Advocacy: Participate in community clinics, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations to expand access to legal services and strengthen community resources.
• Sustainable Work Culture: We are committed to supporting long‑term public interest careers through flexible work arrangements, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive workplace culture.

The Impact You’ll Make

• Advocate & Litigate: Represent tenants facing eviction and homeowners facing foreclosure through advice, negotiation, motion practice, discovery, and litigation.
• Advance Systemic Change: Participate in legislative and administrative advocacy efforts that promote housing stability and economic justice.
• Engage the Community: Conduct outreach and participate in community clinics that connect individuals and families with legal resources.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with colleagues across practice areas to provide holistic support for clients’ legal needs.
• Build Partnerships: Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, service providers, and advocacy groups throughout Western New York.

What You Bring

Required

• Admission to the New York State Bar, or successful completion of the New York State Bar Examination with admission pending.
• Commitment to serving low‑income and underserved communities.
• Dedication to public interest work and advancing access to justice.

Preferred

• Experience or interest in landlord-tenant law, foreclosure defense, housing law, or civil legal services.
• Strong legal writing, research, litigation, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a fast‑paced caseload while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, community partners, and clients.
• Proficiency with standard office and legal technology platforms.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evening hours as needed.

About WNYLC

Founded in 1996, WNYLC has grown into a leader in both holistic civil legal services and policy advocacy for underserved Western New Yorkers. Our work spans housing, consumer finance, income maintenance, student rights, and small business support.

The Eviction and Foreclosure Defense program provides critical legal representation to tenants facing eviction and homeowners confronting foreclosure. In addition to direct representation, the program engages in community education, coalition-building, and advocacy efforts designed to address the root causes of housing instability and poverty.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Health & Wellness

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid life insurance

Paid Time Off

• 3 weeks of vacation
• 12 paid holidays annually
• Paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s
• Sick and personal leave

Retirement & Financial Benefits

• Pension plan
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Paid professional memberships

Workplace Flexibility

• Hybrid schedule with remote work up to two days per week following the probationary period
• Travel reimbursement for court appearances and other work responsibilities

Equal Opportunity Employer

WNYLC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.