Temporary Civil Rights Activist Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Position Available:
SENIOR ATTORNEY (Litigation)
Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.
Job Summary:
The Senior Attorney position is a leadership position within the Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights (AIR) practice group at ABLE. AIR advocates empower low-income immigrants and agricultural workers through high-quality legal representation, community education, and community organizing. We work for a future where systems are just, and our clients have equal opportunities to thrive in society regardless of where they come from or what type of work they do.
AIR provides direct representation to clients applying for humanitarian relief before USCIS, EOIR, and in federal court, and host pro se clinics to advise and provide limited representation for clients in a number of immigration matters. We also litigate individual, class action, and mass action cases in federal and state court to enjoin discriminatory state and federal policies and actions. As an unrestricted legal services organization, ABLE also advocates for changes in local, state, and federal policies and laws to achieve justice for immigrants and refugees. ABLE engages client communities and stakeholders to amplify our advocacy efforts and center impacted voices.
ABLE seeks a Senior Attorney to join the leadership team in AIR. The senior attorney will work under the leadership of the supervising attorney and the managing attorney to serve as lead and co-counsel in systemic impact cases, such as class and mass actions challenging discriminatory immigration policies, civil rights, and Constitutional violations. The attorney will also
lead individual employment actions on behalf of agricultural workers. The senior attorney may also serve as lead on a grant or specific project within AIR as opportunities arise. This position requires litigation experience, including litigation planning, legal research, pleadings drafting, motion practice, discovery, and trial experience. Expertise in immigration, employment, civil rights, or Constitutional litigation is preferred. A successful applicant will also have a demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff, and an ability to assist with reporting service outcomes to funders or other stakeholders.
Job Description:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• Provide high-quality legal representation to clients and client classes in individual, class action, and mass action civil rights and agricultural-worker employment cases in state and federal courts.
• Work with the managing attorney and other staff to develop goals and priorities for AIR's impact litigation throughout Ohio.
• Lead, develop, and implement litigation plans and cases, including identification of potential cases and causes of action, complaint drafting, motion practice, discovery, oral arguments, and hearings. Mentor attorneys and legal staff involved in those cases.
• Work with AIR leadership to build and strengthen relationships with existing and new pro bono firms and other community partners; participate in existing coalitions; supervise junior staff's relationship building with litigation partners.
• If capacity allows, build and grow expertise in immigration matters, including but not limited to bond, habeas, and removal defense representation.
• Ensure all legal work meets ABLE's high-quality standards and achieves measurable outcomes.
• Author publications, present at state/regional/national trainings, and engage in advocacy coalitions.
• Employ community lawyering to empower client communities and identify systemic issues.
• Effectively use technology to manage cases, track outcomes, and report data.
• Occasional statewide travel for casework, court appearances, and community engagement.

SCOPE & IMPACT:
This position provides leadership in major advocacy initiatives, significantly impacting ABLE's service to low-income and marginalized communities. The Senior Attorney is responsible for case outcomes, strategic advocacy development, and strengthening ABLE's community relationships.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion or temporary certification.
• At least 5 years of major advocacy experience, including litigation, policy advocacy, or major projects.
• Strong litigation, trial, and/or community advocacy skills.
• Ability to mentor and co-counsel with less experienced staff.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Commitment to ABLE's mission and to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of and engagement with issues of racial justice and structural racism.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience working with low-income individuals or marginalized communities.
• Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish.
• Additional language proficiency is a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment.
• Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face-to-face or phone communication.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable.
• May require walking several blocks or overnight travel.
• New staff are required to work in the office full-time during their first 90 days of employment. Following this onboarding period, a hybrid work schedule is available with a minimum of two in-office days per week.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position is $81,000 to $108,202, depending on relevant experience. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave. This position will be based out of the Toledo, Ohio office.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.
TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.