Position Available:
2025 Summer Associate ProgramLegal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) is pleased to offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for Summer Associate positions for 2025. These positions provide valuable practical experience and compensation to students seeking careers in public interest law in a fast-paced, hybrid environment. Come work with experienced, passionate people who are known for excellent and compassionate advocacy.LAWO is a non-profit law firm serving northwest and west central Ohio that offers high-quality legal services in civil matters to individuals and households living in poverty. LAWO attorneys provide legal assistance in a wide range of civil areas and seek to address the root causes of poverty. LAWO represents survivors of domestic violence, tenants and homeowners, those seeking public benefits and healthcare, older adults, and agricultural workers, among others.In addition to traditional research and writing assignments, each Associate will work closely with advocates in their practice group, receive training on the basics of poverty law, and gain additional knowledge of legal practice through court observation and meetings with local attorneys and judges. Experienced attorneys will mentor Associates on how to excel in a public interest law career. Associates also receive direct experience engaging with clients in the communities we serve.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references at Applicant materials should demonstrate a passion for public service and a commitment to meeting all program requirements. Candidates may submit one writing sample. Include in the cover letter whether you are seeking hybrid or in-person work; your preferred office location; and your top 2 interests for practice areas and why. Describe any volunteer or public interest work you have completed and/or your interest in serving low- income and marginalized families and communities. The cover letter should be less than two pages and must include all requested information.
Geographic Location (choose 1): Practice Areas of Law (choose 2): - Consumer protections and bankruptcy
- Domestic violence survivors' rights and family law
- Eviction defense, foreclosures, and housing law
- Seniors' rights and estate planning
Requirements:Compensation: - Work full-time (35 hours per week) for a minimum of 10 weeks from May 19, 2025, to July 25, 2025.
Summer associates will receive a paid salary. Additional information will be provided at the interview stage. If applicants can secure additional funding or grants, LAWO will provide necessary documentation. Reimbursement for program-related travel is also available.
- Attend a program orientation in Toledo on May 19, 2025. Virtual accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Comply with all LAWO policies and procedures
LAWO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in our workplace, including diversity in race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, handicap, genetic information or condition, pregnancy, military status, familial status, political affiliation, citizenship, and veteran status. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and we encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Equal access to our offices is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation for the interview or application process should contact the Recruitment Coordinator at ...@ablelaw.org.