Attorney

Center for Elder Law & Justice is looking to fill a full-time Attorney position to work within our Elder Abuse Unit.

About CELJ: Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 10 counties in Western New York.

Our attorneys stop illegal evictions, save clients homes from foreclosure, put a stop to elder domestic violence, fight for public benefits, work with our local immigrant & refugee populations, and represent grandparents and other kinship care relatives in custody and neglect petitions in family court.

We also advocate for systems-wide policy changes, commenting frequently on changes to regulations and working with local elected leaders on legislation that will impact the poor and vulnerable older adults in our area.

We believe that independence and dignity are the hallmarks of justice.

JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Attorney will be responsible for assisting their department to ensure that the firm represents clients in a holistic manner to achieve clients’ goals through aggressive advocacy, including litigation.

The Attorney will work closely with the paralegals and support staff to develop and implement the firm’s mission and goals.

REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Carry a caseload Provide representation on statewide task forces regarding Elder Abuse issues Responsible for Seneca Nation small county contract, drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies Provide representation in court & hearings Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organizations, and other advocates Advocate for legislation and determining lobbying proprieties Represent the civil practice and legal aid in the community Work with pro bono lawyers and partner organizations ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervise student interns, as needed Some travel is required Client home visits, as needed May need to work evening hours, as needed EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Will consider admission pending candidates Juris Doctor (JD) Degree Admitted to practice in NYS Experience with elder abuse or another sensitive client base, very helpful Litigation experience, desirable Trauma informed care experience, preferred Legal services background, or knowledge of general civil legal work KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Strong written and oral communication skills Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including: Generous vacation and sick time Employer covered health, dental & vision Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day Payment of license fees and association dues Encouragement of professional development Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness Salary starting at 65K Salary is based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.

Resumes to Chandler Jones, HR Manager,