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Buffalo (or Albany) Center for Elder Law & Justice. Attorney.

Center for Elder Law & Justice is looking to fill a full-time attorney, to work within our Policy Unit. The ideal candidate will have a legal services and policy background with a strong compassion for public service work.

About CELJ: Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is a civil legal services organization fighting for justice, primarily for low-income older adults, in 10 counties in Western New York. Our attorneys stop illegal evictions, save clients homes from foreclosure, put a stop to elder domestic violence, fight for public benefits, work with our local immigrant & refugee populations, and represent grandparents and other kinship care relatives in custody and neglect petitions in family court. We also advocate for systems-wide policy changes, commenting frequently on changes to regulations and working with local elected leaders on legislation that will impact the poor and vulnerable older adults in our area. We believe that independence and dignity are the hallmarks of justice.

Essential Functions: * Reports to Director of Policy * Assist in monitoring federal and state legislation and proposed regulation applicable to CELJs coverage areas on matters impacting older adults and persons with disabilities.
* Conduct legal and policy research, track, analyze, and provide timely assessments of legislative and policy activity related to CELJs programs and mission. * Collect and analyze data from a variety of sources to write materials to inform and support the advocacy of CELJ policy priorities.
* Draft materials for advocacy initiatives including policy briefs, reports, public comment, and position papers on issues relevant to CELJs coverage areas and mission.
* Drafting and providing testimony before state lawmakers. * Support CELJs efforts to communicate and advocate on issues and priorities at the local, state, and federal level.
* Collaborate with CELJ staff to advance policy and advocacy agenda, evaluate the effectiveness of current policy initiatives, and identify areas for opportunity and innovation. * Cultivate and maintain relationships with CELJ advocacy partners. * Special projects, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications: * Admitted to practice in NYS, desired, but willing to consider the right candidate awaiting admission * 0-20 years of experience * Strong legal research and writing skills * Strong professional verbal and written communication skills * Strong organizational and time management skills * Ability to conduct research and analyze data * Comfortability and confidence with public speaking as outreach will be required * Highly motivated and passionate about public service work * Excellent writing, speaking and organizational skills * Ability to work efficiently and accurately while exhibiting patience and diplomacy * Travel may be required

Job Type: Full time, Part Time, or Contract position Location: Buffalo or Albany

CELJ offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including: * Generous vacation and sick time * Fourteen holidays a year, plus two half-day holidays * Summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day * Payment of license fees and association dues * Encouragement of professional development * Eligible for Federal Loan Forgiveness * After 1 year of service agency will contribute 5% of salary into a 401k

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to HR Manager, Chandler Jones, Cjones@elderjusticeny.org

CELJ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Employer recruits without regard to sex, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and any such candidates are strongly encouraged to apply