Center for Elder Law & Justice

It is the mission of the Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) to use the legal system to help the community's seniors, people with disabilities and the low income population to live independently and with dignity.

CELJ offers free, civil legal services to help people maintain the essentials of life - access to health care, securing safe and affordable housing, protective services to remain free from violence, and access to sufficient income to improve their overall quality of life.

We are an unrestricted provider and engage in impact litigation, as well as direct client services. 

Our Offices

438 Main Street, Suite 1200
Buffalo, NY 14202

314 Central Avenue, Suite 201
Dunkirk, New York 14048

175 Walnut Street, Suite 1
Lockport, NY 14094

How to Get Help

We are offering remote services at this time, through our Risk Detector, Senior Financial Safety Tool, website, and Helpline.

Please visit our website at www.elderjusticeny.org for more information.

For non-legal service providers wishing to use the Legal Risk Detector or the Senior Financial Safety Tool, as a way to detect a client's legal issues and refer the case to CELJ for prompt follow-up and handling, please contact Erin Riker at (716) 853-3087, ext. 249.

Our Hours

Our office is also available by phone via (716) 853-3087 during the following times:

• Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Summer Hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day) - Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We offer a Legal Advice Helpline for individuals age 55+

The Helpline is available to residents of New York State. The Helpline provides brief legal services free of charge, as well as referrals to full-scope legal service providers if the caller is in need of more in-depth service.

The Helpline offers live calling hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday when callers can reach an attorney right away for assistance. 

Additionally, individuals in need can call the Helpline outside of these hours and leave a voicemail with their name and telephone contact information to receive a callback from an attorney within 3 business days. 

Individuals can also send a request for assistance by email to helpline@elderjusticeny.org, including their name and telephone contact information, to receive a callback from an attorney within 3 business days.