Seeking an Associate Attorney
Location: Buffalo, New York
Compensation range: $65,000.00 – $80,000.00
The Law Office of Stephanie Adams, PLLC (the “LOSA”) is seeking an Associate Attorney to learn the complicated and very cool art of "Library Law." No particular experience is required, but candidates must be:
Demonstrably committed to professional ethics
Admitted to practice law in the State of New York
Willing to learn
Aware that what you don't know can be more important than what you know
Able to work in person in our Buffalo office in a highly collaborative and triaged environment
Strong writers
Dogged researchers
Team players
Able to understand the value of public libraries
The LOSA offers a three-year associate track. An associate who completes the 3-year LOSA curriculum gets a certificate attesting to having learned the essentials of an in-house or general counsel, including: combining tactical legal services with insurance, budgeting, risk management, organizational systems, real property and physical plant operations, HR, governance through policy, and leadership conducted to both avoid AND prepare for litigation.
Essential duties
Year 1: Work with LOSA team members and attorneys to build files, prepare documents, assess documents, and conduct client intake. Substitute in court and on projects as needed.
Year 2: Work with LOSA team members to build files, prepare documents, assess documents, conduct client intake, and take on the primary role as attorney for select files in designated areas, with supervision. Substitute in court and on projects as needed.
Year 3: Work with LOSA team members to build files, prepare documents, assess documents, client intake, and take on primary role as attorney for more selected files in additional designated areas to promote comprehensive knowledge and application of how the LOSA practices law.
At the end of Year 3, get a certificate attesting to the sweep of your experience and knowledge.
Year 4: Options may include staying on as associate, entering the PLLC membership, or moving on to your next great thing with the LOSA's good wishes.
About Us
The LOSA primarily serves libraries, creative businesses, and professionals. We work on everything from real estate closings to First Amendment cases (libraries are complex). This work will expose the Associate Attorney to everything needed to serve as a municipal attorney, in-house counsel, or to start their own office.
This is the first of three planned associate attorney-to-membership positions at the LOSA. Are you a trailblazer?
Workplace Expectations
25 billable hours a week, in the office 37.5 hours. That's right, you get to have a life; in fact, we encourage it.
For avoidance of doubt: this is not a remote work opportunity. The LOSA allows 1 day a week max remote, when a person has special projects that warrant solo time. We work together in the office, as a team.
Ideal start date: October 1, 2026. Position open until filled.
To apply: Submit a cover letter to brian@losapllc.com stating why you are interested in this opportunity and why you might be a good fit for our office. Include your resume, because that is how we make sure you meet our criteria. Include a writing sample of your choice—ideally one that shows your ability to combine facts and legal reasoning. If you need disability accommodations to apply, please call (716) 464-3386 or write to brian@losapllc.com.