Staff Attorney – Civil Unit

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.

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

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: Sara Stoessel, Supervising
Attorney – Civil Unit, ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc. at sstoessel@ecbavlp.com. We will be
accepting applications until the position is filled.

Salary/Benefits:
• Salary ranges from $56,000 – $96,973 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:
o 14 paid holidays
o 11 vacation days and 2 personal days in year 1
o 15 vacation days and 4 personal days in year 2 (vacation caps at 23 days starting in year 6)
o 10 sick days each year
o 1 hour paid lunch if working more than 4.5 hours each day
o flexible schedules
o ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week (after the successful completion of the 3-
month introductory period)
o discourages weekend work, encourages utilizing PTO
o 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.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required unless the individual qualifies for a reasonable accommodation as
required under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State
Human Rights Law and/or guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. VLP may grant requests
for reasonable accommodations to this requirement on the basis of disability or sincerely held religious beliefs.