Civil Rights Law Paralegal Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Description
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW invites applications for a full-time fellow position beginning as soon as the summer of 2026. This is a 12-month grant-funded position, potentially renewable for one year, based on Initiative needs and funding.
As the only legal hub in Ohio focused on reproductive rights and the only reproductive rights center based at a law school outside the East and West Coasts, the CWRU Reproductive Rights Law Initiative works to preserve and advance the legal right of all Ohioans to make their own reproductive decisions. The Reproductive Rights Law Initiative advances its mission through litigating, often in partnership with other reproductive rights and justice groups; educating members of the reproductive rights community and the public; and offering legal support and counseling to reproductive health care providers and advocacy organizations. The Reproductive Rights Law Initiative also aims to build an intellectual infrastructure for creating enduring protections for reproductive autonomy in the future, and to train and inspire the next generation of reproductive rights lawyers and advocates.
We seek candidates with distinguished academic records, outstanding legal research skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Interest or experience in teaching is a plus. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to reproductive rights and justice and familiarity with constitutional or civil rights law.
The Reproductive Rights Fellow will assist with litigation and counseling involving abortion providers and reproductive rights and justice organizations, sometimes in partnership with attorneys from other national and/or local organizations. The primary role of the Reproductive Rights Fellow is to engage in legal research and writing to support the Initiative's legal work, under the supervision of a Staff Attorney and/or the Faculty Director. The fellow may also assist with other work of the Reproductive Rights Law Initiative, such as by organizing and/or participating in webinars and conferences, supervising student workers, and drafting or assisting with the Reproductive Rights Law Initiative's communications (newsletters and social media).
The successful candidate will engage in activities that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct legal research, writing, and analysis to advance the Initiative's legal, policy, and advocacy work.
• Serve as part of the team providing direct representation to clients in constitutional challenges to legal restrictions on reproductive rights and in defending against legal attacks.
• Attend regular meetings with the Faculty Director, Staff Attorneys, Program Manager, Departmental Assistant, students, and/or external partners.
• Represent the Initiative in public-facing meetings, lectures, and other events as requested.

The Reproductive Rights Fellow will join the CWRU Law School as a post-doctoral fellow and will work closely with the Director of the Reproductive Rights Law Initiative and Staff Attorneys. The fellow will predominantly work remotely, but the Fellow must live in Ohio and be able to be present, in person, in Cleveland when needed. Some weekend and evening work will be required. Some travel may also be required. The annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $62,652. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.
Qualifications
Mandatory qualifications:

• A J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited school, with a record of high academic achievement;
• Ohio residence (during the time of employment)
• Admitted to the Ohio bar no later than six months after start of employment;
• Strong commitment to reproductive rights and justice
• Excellent written and oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills;
• Aptitude with Google applications, Microsoft Office, and Zoom; willingness to learn new applications

Preferred qualifications:

• Litigation experience in the area of reproductive rights and/or a related area;
• Public speaking experience;
• Familiarity with, and commitment to, Ohio and the Midwest region.

In compliance with the City of Cleveland's Pay Transparency Ordinance (effective October 27, 2025), the annual starting base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $63,480. CWRU considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer. Postdocs receive individual and family healthcare benefits, life insurance, and employee assistance.
Application Instructions
Applications should be sent by email to reprolaw@case.edu. Please provide: 1) a cover letter describing your background and interest in the position, 2) your resume, and 3) a legal writing sample (such as a memo, brief, motion, or other legal document that you primarily authored). Your writing sample does not have to relate to reproductive rights or constitutional law. Please include "Reproductive Rights Fellow" in the subject line of the email. For questions, email reprolaw@case.edu. No phone calls or mailed applications, please.