Summer Associate 2026

Summer Associate 2026

OH

Description

2026 Summer Associate Program

Tentative Dates: May 18, 2026, to July 24, 2026.

Community Legal Aid is seeking public interest minded law students for its 2026 Summer Associate Program. Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services in central northeast Ohio.

Community Legal Aid's Summer Associate Program provides law students an immersive, hands-on experience in civil law. Summer Associates will work in different areas of the law and may expect to interview clients, draft client letters, draft court pleadings, research relevant legal issues, attend and assist with court hearings, assist with discovery, analyze evidence, and complete various other tasks as assigned. There may also be opportunities for more focused research and policy advocacy.

All Summer Associates will receive training in substantive areas of poverty law and may observe court hearings. Other professional development opportunities, such as brown bag lunches, may be available for Summer Associates to meet with judges, attorneys, leaders of local non-profit agencies, and other community members.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Completed first or second year of law school prior to Summer 2026
• Demonstrated interest in and sensitivity to the legal needs of underserved communities as well as motivation to improve the condition of underserved communities
• Strong research/writing background
• Strong interest for students with their Intern Certificate
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and legal and internet research tools
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Ability to relate to and work with both professionals and clients in a professional manner
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• High dependability
• Ability to speak a foreign language is highly desirable

This is a temporary full-time position. Compensation is $21 per hour with a 35-hour work week for a minimum of 10 weeks. This is an in-person (not hybrid) opportunity.

Summer Associates will be assigned to work in one or more Projects and one of our regional offices in Akron, Canton, Warren, and Youngstown. Applicants who have preferences on Project and office assignments should indicate and explain their preferences in their cover letter. Information on the Projects can be found at www.communitylegalaid.org/our-work.

Applications will be accepted online through Community Legal Aid’s recruitment portal which can be found by visiting www.communitylegalaid.org/careers. Applicants will be required to submit a resume, a cover letter, a writing sample, and a list of three references. Applicants will be reviewed and offers made on a rolling basis.

Community Legal Aid is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.