Staff attorney - agricultural worker and rights practice group

Pos ition Available:

STAFF ATTORNEY

Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm established over 50 years ago to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities have the same access to justice as people and companies that can afford to retain an attorney. ABLE and its partner law firm, Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), are the only law firms available for comprehensive legal representation in non-criminal matters for more than 425,000 people living, working, and raising their families in poverty in Northwest and West Central Ohio. ABLE advocates for and with financially disadvantaged individuals and communities to effectuate just and equitable policy changes that address the structural causes of poverty and to protect their right to fairness and justice in the legal system.

Job Summary:

ABLE seeks one resourceful, culturally competent immigration attorney for our Agricultural and Immigrant Rights Practice Group in the Unaccompanied Children’s Project. The attorney will provide civil legal assistance to eligible immigrant children residing in Southwest Ohio who are in removal proceedings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• Represent Unaccompanied Children in Southwest Ohio in their removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review and in affirmative applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including applications for Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, U and T nonimmigrant statuses, temporary protected status, adjustment of status, and naturalization. Provide representation in state juvenile court to obtain SIJS predicate orders. Represent other eligible clients in our service area as need arises and capacity allows.
• Collaborate with other staff members in clinics and community presentations based on availability.
• Timely submit case information to UC project paralegal for case database. Timely submit other required reports to supervising attorney for grant reporting.
• Develop a strong understanding of immigration law and monitor legal developments.
• Establish and maintain a good working relationship with other legal services programs, community-based organizations, social service agencies, public officials, and other individuals or groups that may be involved in the provision of legal services to people impacted by poverty.
• Handle a reasonable volume of cases commensurate with skill and experience.
• Actively participate in practice group initiatives to implement Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with courts, bar associations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Complete required administrative tasks, including time records and case reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SCOPE & IMPACT:

The Staff Attorney plays a critical role in advancing ABLE's mission by providing legal representation to vulnerable communities, advocating for systemic change, and promoting equal justice and opportunity.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion, temporary certification, or passage of the next bar examination.
• Strong commitment to ABLE’s mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and poverty law.
• Excellent legal, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of two years of legal experience in immigration law, with some family law
• Experience in interagency cooperation, collaboration, and community engagement.
• Experience managing projects, directing legal clinics, or grant reporting desired, but not required.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred, but not required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• May supervise paralegals or legal assistants as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds

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 starts is $68,000.00 to $90,780.00 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.

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].