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Apr 18, 2026

Attorney

Job Description

Staff Attorney, Generalist - 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, eviction prevention, family/divorce, public benefits, disability advocacy, student loans, and health insurance.


The NLS Batavia office has a rich history serving the community. The staff attorney will positively impact clients by maintaining a caseload related to housing law, public benefits, family law, disability law, and consumer issues. Training will be provided – whether you just passed the bar with admission pending or you are an experienced attorney.


Essential Responsibilities/ Functions:
  • 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, record-keeping, and fostering pro bono involvement with the private bar;
  • 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; and
  • 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

Salary

Salary is based on bar admission and years of experience. (Steps 1 through 22) Step 1 of the salary scale correlates to the first year of admission to the bar of any state, and date of commencement of the practice of law in that state. Each progressive step equals an additional year of experience.


Prior credited experience is calculated from the date of admission to the bar and the date of commencement of the practice of law in that state. If the Employee did not begin practicing law within six (6) months of being admitted, the prior experience shall be calculated on the date they began practicing law.


Current salary steps include but are not limited to:

  • 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.
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; additionally, employees have access to sick and personal leave, as well as eligibility for public student loan forgiveness. NLS also provides life insurance, a pension plan, HRA and Flexible Spending Accounts, paid memberships, and professional development.

How To Apply: To apply, please go to https://nls.org/about/careers/ or send cover letter, resume, writing sample and 3 references to HR@nls.org. No phone calls please.

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.

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About NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL SERVICES
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