Positions Available:

2025 Summer Associate Program

Positions Available in Ohio

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) 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.

ABLE is an unrestricted, non-profit law firm serving northwest and west central Ohio that offers high-quality legal services in civil matters to low-income individuals and groups to achieve self-reliance, equal justice, and economic opportunity. We strive to address the root causes of poverty and provide legal assistance in a wide range of civil areas. ABLE represents agricultural workers and immigrants, victims of domestic violence, tenants facing evictions, individuals seeking public benefits and healthcare, and students who need appropriate educational opportunities. ABLE attorneys handle individual cases and large-scale litigation in state and federal courts and advocate for policy changes on issues facing our clients.

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 https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able/. Applicant materials should demonstrate a passion for public service and a commitment to meeting all program requirements. Candidates may submit one writing sample if they wish to do so.

Cover letter should indicate whether the candidate is seeking hybrid or in-person work, list the candidate’s preferred office location and indicate the candidate’s top 2 interests for legal practice areas and why. Also, please describe any volunteer or public interest work you have completed, and/or describe your interest in serving low-income and marginalized families and communities. Cover letter should be less than two pages and must include all requested information.

Geographic locations (choose 3):

Practice Areas of Law (choose 3):

Dayton
Defiance
Toledo
Agricultural workers’ rights and immigration law
Consumer protections
Domestic violence survivors’ rights and family law
Healthcare & public benefits (e.g. SNAP, SSI/SSDI, etc.)
Education law
Eviction defense, community and economic development, and Housing Law
Medical-Legal Partnerships
Seniors’ rights

Requirements:

Compensation:

Work full-time (35 hours per week) for a minimum of 10 weeks from May 19, 2025, to July 25, 2025.
Attend a program orientation in Toledo on May 19, 2025. Virtual accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Comply with all ABLE policies and procedures.

Summer associates will receive a paid salary. Additional information will be provided at the interview stage. If applicants are able to secure additional funding or grants, ABLE will provide necessary documentation. Reimbursement for program-related travel is also available.

ABLE 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 hrteam@ablelaw.org.

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc

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2025 Summer Associate Program