Buffalo, NY

The Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) is seeking a full-time staff attorney for our divorce program. This attorney will carry a full-representation caseload comprised of divorce cases. This attorney will also assist in developing cases to refer to pro bono attorneys primarily in the following substantive areas: bankruptcy, end of life planning, estates, divorce, name changes, and tort defense. In addition, there may be opportunities to handle full representation cases in these practice areas and others.

VLP is a mixed model civil legal services program that coordinates direct representation by pro bono attorneys and by our staff attorneys. The Buffalo office handles a wide variety of civil legal services, with a focus on involving pro bono lawyers in the delivery of our services to clients. We have two offices, one in Buffalo, NY and the other in Batavia, NY. This position will work out of our Buffalo, NY office with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule after the successful completion of the 3-month probationary period.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Represent VLP clients in Divorce Cases
• Conduct orientation and intake for clients seeking pro bono attorney assistance
• Prepare cases for referral and work with Program Paralegals and Pro Bono Program Manager to refer cases to pro bono attorneys and provide follow up on cases as needed
• Compile data for grant reporting
• Participate in outreach events educating the community on VLP’s services
• Provide training and mentorship to Volunteer Attorneys
• May require some local travel
• Other tasks may be assigned

Skills - Required:

• Must be an attorney admitted to practice in New York and be in good standing
• 1-4 years of experience in civil matters
• Strong written and oral advocacy skills
• A willingness to work independently while also taking direction and operating as part of a team
• The ability to juggle many tasks efficiently
• The means and willingness to travel locally (a driver’s license and regular access to a vehicle is required)
• Comfortable with public speaking
• VLP is a paperless office; candidates must be proficient with computers and technology, including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and electronic case management systems

Skills – Preferred:

• 2 or more years of experience handling divorce cases

TO APPLY: Please send a resume and a cover letter clearly explaining your interest and qualifications. Include contact information for 3 references and send your materials to: Kim Lewis, HR Manager ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. at klewis@ecbavlp.com. We will be accepting applications until the position is filled.

Salary/Benefits:

• Salary ranges from $65,000 based on years of relevant work experience
• Employer paid benefits including fully paid health insurance premiums, a Health Reimbursement Arrangement account, long-term disability insurance, life/AD&D insurance, Pension contributions, paid biennial attorney registration, notary renewal, and CLEs, Employee Assistance Program
• Other Benefits available through pre-tax employee contributions: Dental insurance, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, transportation account, 403b plan
• Eligibility for public service loan forgiveness
• A respectful work environment with a true Work/Life balance:
  • 14 paid holidays
  • 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1
  • 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
  • 10 sick days each year
  • 1 hour paid lunch if working more than 4.5 hours each day
  • flexible schedules
  • ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week (after the successful completion of the 3-month introductory period)
  • discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
  • dedication to diversity and inclusion

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