Criminal Defense Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Client Advocate in our Criminal Defense Unit’s Holistic Representation Program. This position will be an integral member of the CDU team and will work closely with social workers and attorneys in identifying, analyzing, and addressing the root causes that have led to a client’s interaction with the criminal justice system. The goal of the HRP is to decrease time of client incarceration, promote diversion and alternatives to sentencing programs, and prevent recidivism.

 This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York community by serving as the initial representative and point of contact for CDU clients seeking social work services. The qualified candidate is required to have a dedication to working with the criminally charged or incarcerated population and making the client’s experience with LABB as pleasant as possible.

 Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay: Earn from $29.00/hr to $42.00/hr, commensurate with your experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.
  • Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.
  • Paid parenthood leave plan
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings
  • Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.
• Union Position: Be part of a supportive and collective bargaining environment.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Qualifying employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Interviews clients, witnesses, family members, etc. at various locations, (including court detention and Mental Health facilities) for factual information related to the case.
• Performs field investigations, if necessary, to prepare for case, including home visits.
• Reviews and/or obtains histories, service plans, agency, medical or school records and clinical assessments of clients.
• Prepares written reports based on the clients’ needs and/or wishes, as directed by an attorney.
• Obtains and assembles all necessary reports, documents, or court records relating to the case.
• Maintains accurate case records.
• Confers with caseworkers, service providers, educators, representatives of other agencies, probation officers or any other collateral individual, as required.
• Presents cases before hearing officers, as required by unit.
• Performs legal research as directed and verifies citations and statutory references contained in legal documents.
• Works collaboratively with attorneys to develop recommendations for the Court and prepares written reports regarding completed investigations.
• Attends court proceedings and provides testimony, as required.
• Files and organizes legal research materials as directed.
• Attends meetings, reviews, conferences or other functions, at various locations, as required by unit.

 Employment Standards: 

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college with an Associate’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of related experience; or
• An equivalent combination of demonstrated training and experience.

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.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, disabled individuals, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] or mail them to:

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

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our dedicated team.