Staff Attorney - Children's Education

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is an unrestricted, non-profit law firm serving northwest and west central Ohio whose 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. We strive to address the root causes of poverty and provide legal assistance in a wide range of civil areas. ABLE attorneys handle individual cases and large-scale litigation in state and federal courts and advocate for policy changes on issues facing our clients. This position is based out of ABLE’s Toledo office.

Job Summary:

Join ABLE’s innovative legal advocacy for parents and children to advance education justice.

Our work to promote equitable public education includes:

• Defending students in school discipline matters and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, particularly for youth of color.
• Securing appropriate, accessible, and inclusive education for children with disabilities and other specialized educational needs.
• Protecting equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of background, zip code, or personal characteristics.

As a Staff Attorney in ABLE’s Children’s Education Rights Practice, you will engage in a dynamic mix of individual representation, impact litigation, administrative advocacy, community engagement, and policy-focused legal work. You will participate in practice-area initiatives, manage an active caseload, and contribute to ABLE’s broader education justice efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

Client Representation & Legal Advocacy

• Provide high-quality legal assistance through advice and counsel, negotiation, administrative advocacy, and litigation to families in matters involving children’s education rights.
• Collaborate as part of a team on major litigation and/or advocacy projects.
• Utilize knowledge of federal, state, and local procedures governing civil rights or education law and administrative agencies.
• Manage a reasonable caseload consistent with experience and skill, including timekeeping, case documentation, and reporting obligations.
• Maintain professional conduct, sound judgment, and adherence to ABLE’s standards of high-quality service.

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Empower community members with outreach and community legal education about children’s educational rights and advocacy options.
• Build collaborative relationships with community organizations, agencies, and legal service partners.
• Travel locally as needed for casework and community engagement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctor and admission to Ohio Bar, or eligibility for admission by motion or temporary certification.
• Strong analytical, writing, communication, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to work effectively with parents and children facing significant barriers navigating education systems.
• Demonstrated professionalism, judgement, reliability, and initiative.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in civil rights law or education law.
• Litigation and negotiation experience.
• Experience working with low-income individuals or marginalized communities.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable.
• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 15 lbs.
• May require walking several blocks or overnight travel.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:

ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The starting salary for this position is $68,000.00 and increases depending on 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 is based out of our Toledo 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 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 [email protected].