Full-Time Attorney- Small Business Legal Clinic

WNYLC Staff Attorney- Small Business Legal Clinic

The Western New York Law Center, Inc. (WNYLC) is seeking an experienced lawyer to work as a Staff Attorney within 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. The position will also involve participation in community clinics, engaging community members in legal and non-legal strategies, and involvement in legislative and administrative advocacy on behalf of those affected by poverty and discrimination.

The ideal candidate will have a legal services background with a dedication to public interest work. Founded in 1996 as a boutique nonprofit impact litigation law firm and now providing a range of direct range of direct services to low-income individuals and small businesses, WNYLC has been committed throughout its existence to advancing the rights of low-income and underserved Western New Yorkers and ensuring that they receive the full range of civil legal services, including nontraditional legal services such as impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community litigation. WNYLC has substantive units that provide direct services focused on housing, consumer finance, students’ rights, and small business support. 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 WNY and has become an integral part of our local small business ecosystem.

Staff Attorneys will provide legal representation to small business owners and entrepreneurs at all stages of their business on a broad range of legal issues including, but not limited to, business formation, contracts, compliance, employees, taxes, permits/licenses/zoning, buying/selling/closing a business, and/or M/WBE certification. Staff Attorneys 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 Attorneys will provide legal education and/or training on business law topics in the community. These events are held during evening hours or on weekends.

· Admission to practice in NYS, required.

· Experience with business law, preferred.

· Minimum 1-year legal experience, preferred.

· High level of initiative and self-motivation.

· Strong writing, interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills.

· Proficient in use of computer software.

· Proven ability to relate well with people who are low-income or of diverse nationalities and cultures.

· Excellent people skills.

· Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, with a high caseload.

· Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community partners.

· Travel, required.

· Engage in outreach events for the small business community.

· Present CLEs and/or business law training for small business owners within the community.

· Keep complete and accurate records to be submitted for fee for service work.

· Required to work evening hours for clinics and may need to work evening and/or weekend hours for clinics, community partner events and/or business law presentations, as needed.

Salary Range is $71,500-$81,129. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. WNYLC offers a competitive salary and generous benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 3 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays plus paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s, sick and personal leave, eligibility for public student loan forgiveness, paid life insurance, pension plan, Flexible Spending Account, and paid memberships.

Please send resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript (if admitted less than two years), writing sample (no longer than 10 pages), and the names of three professional references to Lauren Haas, Operations Manager, at [email protected]. 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $71,500-$81,129 per year

Benefits:

· 403B

· 403B matching

· Dental Insurance

· Employee assistance program

· Flexible schedule

· Flexible spending account

· Health insurance

· Health savings account

· Life insurance

· Loan forgiveness

· Paid time off

· Parental leave

· Retirement plan

· Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

· Buffalo, NY 14202 (Required)

Ability to Relocate

· Buffalo, NY 14202: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo, NY 14202

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $71,500.00 - $81,129.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Bar (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo, NY 14202