Staff Attorney - Public Benefits, Niagara Falls

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Staff Attorney, Public Benefits - Neighborhood Legal Services Neighborhood Legal Services is a not‑for‑profit public interest law firm providing free civil legal assistance to low‑income individuals. Its mission is to seek equitable justice by providing access to legal advice, representation, and education to those in our community who, due to financial vulnerability, disability, discrimination, or abuse, require protection and advancement of their civil legal rights. It is the largest non‑profit provider of civil legal services in Western New York. Neighborhood Legal Services provides counsel for housing, prevention, family/divorce, public benefits, disability advocacy, student loans, and health insurance. This position is in our Niagara Falls office. Responsibilities Handle all aspects of legal representation including client contact, pleading preparation, research, file maintenance, hearing and trial work, and work with support staff; Fulfill all grant and contract requirements through casework, time‑keeping, and record‑keeping; Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the areas of law that impact our clients; Identify other legal needs of clients to ensure that NLS can provide holistic representation and referrals; Collaborate and coordinate with other NLS staff and community partners to ensure effective referrals and holistic service delivery; Identify systemic problems that affect our clients’ rights; Conduct community outreach, education and training; Demonstrate cultural competency to work with clients of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio‑economic status, age, immigrant status, religious identity, physical and mental disabilities, and limited English proficiency; Maintain a current knowledge of developments in civil procedure and civil litigation law; Develop an understanding of the social and economic forces that create poverty and inequality in our community. Qualifications J.D. and NYS Bar Admission (considered if applicant has passed the bar exam with admission pending – training will be provided) Demonstrated commitment and cultural sensitivity to low‑income and underserved communities. Strong writing skills and verbal communication. Strong behavioral competencies. Strong attention to detail and follow‑up skills. Previous experience working with low‑income and/or underserved communities (preferred) Second language fluency (preferred) Working Conditions and Physical Requirements Work in an office environment including working at workstation, attending meetings; Traveling to meetings and hearings off‑site; Use of computer and other office machines such as fax, photocopiers and telephones; Ability to work in the evenings and weekends as required to serve clients. Salary Salary range: $71,000 to $120,913.78 annually. Salary is based on bar admission and years of experience. Step 1 is the first year of admission to the bar of any state, and each progressive step corresponds to one additional year of experience. Step 1 – $71,000.00 Step 5 – $78,156.78 Step 10 – $90,338.62 Step 15 – $101,873.70 Step 22 – $120,913.76 Full‑time position with a 35‑hour work week and reduced summer hours. Benefits NLS offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance; a generous PTO policy that includes 3 weeks of vacation time, 12 paid holidays, plus a week of PTO between Christmas and New Year’s; reduced summer hours; access to sick and personal leave; eligibility for public student loan forgiveness; life insurance; a pension plan; HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts; paid memberships; and professional development. EEO Statement NLS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. Employer recruits without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, sex, gender (including identity or expression), sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or protected veteran status and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.