The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) is seeking a Full-Time Attorney for our Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC).  The Attorney will provide legal services to small business owners and entrepreneurs at all stages of their business lifespan on a broad range of legal issues and will assist with other case work as assigned.

WNYLC offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package, which includes a platinum health insurance plan with flexible spending account (FSA) funds given to employees each year, and generous leave packages (up to 70 hours of sick time, 14 hours of personal time, and 105-161 hours of vacation time per year). There is a 35-hour minimum work week. Full-time employees receive individual life insurance term policies in an amount equal to two times the employee’s annual salary (up to $200,000.) The Board of Directors considers a retirement benefit expressed as a percentage of the employee’s annual salary on an annual basis.

WNYLC is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1996 after Congress restricted the types of cases that Legal Services Corporation (LSC) grantees could handle.  The Law Center primarily represents low-income Western New Yorkers in civil matters, emphasizing those areas restricted by LSC, including consumer debt, foreclosure prevention, and bankruptcy.  The SBLC, which became part of the Law Center in January 2017, provides free legal assistance to low-income entrepreneurs and small businesses across WNY. The SLBC is the only program of its kind in Western New York and has become an integral part of WNY’s small business ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

Staff Attorney will provide legal services to small business owners and entrepreneurs at all stages of their business lifespan on broad range of legal issues including, but not limited to, business formation, contracts, employees, taxes, permits/licenses/zoning, and/or buying/selling/closing a business. Staff Attorney will attend weekly drop-in clinics at various locations around WNY and will work with Managing Attorney to serve small business clients, collaborate with other small business community groups, and engage in outreach for the program. Staff Attorney will provide legal education and/or training on business law topics in the community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Admission to practice in NYS, required.
• Experience with business law, preferred.
• Minimum 3 years legal experience, preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations very helpful.
• Strong organization skills.
• Strong writing, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in use of computer software.
• Proven ability to relate well to people who are low-income or of diverse nationalities and cultures.
• Proven initiative taking approach to tasks.
• Potential travel, required.
• May need to work evening hours, as needed.

To Apply:

Please send resume, cover letter, writing sample, and the names of three professional references to Neha M. Karambelkar, Esq., Managing Attorney, Small Business Legal Clinic (SBLC), at nkarambelkar@wnylc.net.  Applications will be considered in the order in which they are submitted.  No phone calls please.

WNYLC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.  Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.