Staff Attorney

Center for Elder Law & Justice is looking to fill a Part-time or Full-time Attorney position to work within our Elder Advocacy Program (EAP). This position will provide civil legal representation on both elder abuse and kinship caregiver matters. 

  About CELJ:  

Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 9 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:  

This position is funded through CELJ’s Elder Advocacy Program (EAP), supported by the NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS) VOCA Victim Assistance Grant, and will serve victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation as well as kinship caregivers across Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties. 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, social workers, and support staff to develop and implement the firm’s mission and goals.

REPORTS TO:  

Supervising Attorney 

OFFICE:

Fredonia, Olean

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Carry a mixed caseload of elder abuse and kinship caregiver matters
• Represent victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation, including litigation to recover stolen funds or property, deed theft, and abuse of power of attorney, and revocation of documents held by abusers
• Represent relative and kinship caregivers of children removed due to abuse or neglect, including petitioning for custody or guardianship and providing full representation through hearings in Family Court
• Represent kinship caregivers in benefits hearings when they are denied benefits to which they are entitled
• 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 organization

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Supervise student interns, as needed
• Some travel is required
• Client home visits, as needed
• May need to work evening and weekend 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
• Experience with Family Court practice, kinship/relative caregiver representation, or child welfare law, 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
• 90% 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 $76,377, this is based on experience and alignment with steps in union scale.

Resumes to Chandler Jones, HR Manager, View email address on click.appcast.io  

Salary/Compensation: $76,377 per year