JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Supervising Attorney, the Attorney will be responsible for a caseload heavy in family law cases, specifically kinship and protective orders.  This involves advocacy across the criminal justice system and by utilizing the civil legal system to assist clients in the wake of a crime and keep children out of foster care through kinship care. 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

SUPERVISES:
Paralegals, Social Workers

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Direct representation of clients
• Carry a caseload with paralegal supervision
• Work with local county agencies and Courts to build kinship program in Chautauqua County
• Provide training, community outreach, and education to individuals and local community-based organizations, and other advocates
• Promote the work of the Center for Elder Law and Justice
• Work with pro bono lawyers and community partners

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise student interns, as needed
• Some local travel is required
• Client home visits, as needed
• May need to work evening hours, as needed

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree
• Admitted to practice in NYS
• At least 3 years of practice experience, preferred
• Litigation experience, desirable
• Family court experience, preferred
• 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
• Collaborative approach, ability to engage with partners across multiple disciplines
• 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
• 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

Location: Dunkirk Office

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to Chandler Jones, HR Manager cjones@elderjusticeny.org

CELJ 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