Criminal Defense Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking a Staff Attorney in our Criminal Defense Unit to primarily focus on representing indigent persons in Buffalo City Court Housing Court. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York community by handling every aspect of a client’s housing code violation case that is assigned to them.

Why Join Us?

• Desirable Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a typically 40-hour work week, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life effectively.
• Competitive Pay: Earn a salary ranging from $81,000 to $119,000, 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: Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Appears at arraignment and subsequent court dates with clients.
• Reviews accusatory instruments and makes arguments as to dismissal.
• 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, treatment and other matters as applicable.
• Retains and prepares expert witnesses as applicable.
• Prepares for and conducts non-jury trials.
• Prepares pre-sentencing memorandums in consultation with CDU Social Workers.
• 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 both the City of Buffalo Housing Codes and County of Erie Housing Codes 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.

 Employment Standards: 

• Active membership in the State Bar of New York.
• At least two years of experience as an attorney in the practice Housing Code Violations 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.

   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 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.