Description

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Attorney in our 2026 Criminal Defense Unit hiring class. Selected attorneys will undergo an intense training program. Candidates who are not yet admitted in NY will be considered. 

Under general direction, staff attorneys perform a variety of trial level activities in the area of criminal law, prominently the representation of indigent persons in Buffalo City Court, Erie County Court, New York State Supreme Court and any other court where the Criminal Defense Unit is assigned cases; perform related duties as required. Staff attorneys are responsible for handling every aspect of a client’s criminal case that is assigned to them. This work commences at arraignment and concludes with filing a Notice of Appeal following conviction, if applicable.

Who are we? 

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. has been providing access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community for over 100 years.   Using a holistic approach, we provide quality, client-centered legal representation in a vast range of criminal and civil matters such as mandated criminal defense, mandated child and youth representation, consumer credit, employment, education, family, post-conviction, appeals, housing, employment, and immigration. Please visit our website to learn more.   

Why Join Us?

Mission-Drive Culture: 

• Supportive work environment
• Opportunities to learn and grow through collaboration with colleagues
• Desirable Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a typically 40-hour work week, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
• Competitive Pay: Salary ranging from  $83,959 to $98,399 commensurate with relevant experience. 

Comprehensive Benefits Package: 

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
• Extensive paid time off programs – holiday, vacation, personal, sick time, and more
• Paid parenthood leave plan.
• 401(k) retirement plan with contributions made by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. between 6 and 8% when eligible.
• Life insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance offering, which include short-term disability, long-term disability, term life insurance plus more.
• Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, flexible spending account, and more. 

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Includes but is not limited to:

• Appears at arraignment and subsequent court dates with clients.
• Reviews accusatory instruments and makes arguments as to dismissal.
• Makes arguments relevant to bail both at arraignment and at other times as necessary sometimes in Superior Court.
• Conducts eligibility screenings where applicable.
• Meets with and remains in touch with clients following arraignment and at regular intervals during the pendency of the case.  Client meetings may take place in the office, out of the office, over electronic communication and at the Erie County Holding Center, the Erie County Correctional Facility or other correctional facilities as appropriate.
• Conducts investigations or retains the service of internal and external investigators as appropriate to gather evidence, locate witnesses and prepare defense materials.
• Researches and writes motions and makes oral arguments on points of law at hearings and court appearances.
• Discusses with client and attempts resolution of ancillary issues affecting client’s life including employment issues, housing, treatment and other matters as applicable.
• Remains in contact with co-defendant counsel as well as attorneys handling client’s other criminal matters in order to secure the best possible results.
• Retains and prepares expert witnesses as applicable.
• Prepares for and conducts both jury and non-jury trials.
• Prepares post-conviction motions (CPL 330, 440) as well as pre-sentencing memorandums in consultation with CDU Social Workers.
• Files a Notice of Appeal, if applicable, and remains available to assist the assigned appeals attorney with all aspects of a client’s appeal.
• Maintains legible and complete client files to allow for accurate data recording.
• Provides coverage for attorneys occupied with court matters and/or those out on leave.
• Remains abreast of updates in criminal law and attends classes and seminars to bolster knowledge and improve performance.
• Meets regularly with CDU Management staff to discuss status of cases.
• Performs other duties as assigned by CDU Management.

Requirements

Employment Standards:

• Law school graduates or third-year law students (3Ls) who will be taking an upcoming bar exam or;
• Active membership in the State Bar of New York preferred; and
• Experience as an attorney in the practice of trial level criminal defense preferred; or
• A combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to the above employment standard and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Computer proficiency, including, but not limited to, word processing skills and computerized legal research.

*Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college, university or law school accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S.  If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, the candidate must provide independent verification of equivalency*

Additional Requirements: 

• Possession of a valid New York State Driver's License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours, or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristic or protected class.

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume and writing sample to resume@labbuffalo.org or mail them to:

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.
Attention: Human Resources
290 Main Street, Suite 400
Buffalo, NY 14202

If you need a reasonable accommodation in submitting the documents outlined above, completing the application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office at resume@labbuffalo.org or 716-853-9555 x183 or x288.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Following a review of applications, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. will only contact those applicants whose backgrounds align with the qualifications outlined above.