Description
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our 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. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.
Job Summary:
Join ABLE's innovative legal advocacy for parents and children to advance education justice.
ABLE's 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; and protecting equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of background, zip code, or personal characteristics.
The Supervising Attorney for the Children's Education Rights Practice Group is a leadership position responsible for supervising legal staff while advancing litigation, administrative advocacy, policy initiatives, and community-based legal strategies. This role leads attorneys, paralegals, law clerks, and other staff in delivering high-quality legal services to children and families throughout ABLE's service area.
Supervising Attorney will work closely with parents, students, community organizations, schools, and advocacy partners to advance education justice through individual representation, systemic advocacy, and policy reform. This position combines direct legal advocacy with program leadership, staff supervision, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational leadership to create meaningful educational opportunities and outcomes for low-income children and families.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):
Supervise and mentor attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, including oversight of casework, advocacy strategies, and professional development
Lead and coordinate litigation, policy advocacy, and community lawyering initiatives within the HCED Practice Group
Provide high-quality legal representation, including litigation, negotiation, and administrative advocacy
Support and advance community-based advocacy efforts, including collaboration with tenant organizations and neighborhood groups
Ensure integration of ABLE’s community lawyering model into all aspects of practice group work
Maintain a manageable caseload consistent with supervisory responsibilities
Build and maintain relationships with community partners, public officials, courts, and advocacy organizations
Participate in strategic planning and contribute to organizational leadership discussions
Ensure compliance with ABLE policies, funding requirements, and reporting obligations
SCOPE & IMPACT:
This position plays a critical leadership role in shaping ABLE's education justice advocacy throughout western Ohio. The Supervising Attorney directly impacts service delivery, staff development, and the effectiveness of systemic advocacy efforts. Through leadership of the Children's Education Rights Practice Group, this role helps drive lasting improvements in educational access, equity, and outcomes for low-income children and families.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission
Minimum of three (3) years of legal experience
Demonstrated litigation and advocacy experience
Strong leadership, supervision, and organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Commitment to serving low-income individuals and communities
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Experience in housing law, community economic development, or related practice areas
Prior supervisory or team leadership experience
Experience with community lawyering, policy advocacy, or movement-based legal work
Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to client communities
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position directly supervises attorneys, paralegals, and/or law clerks and is responsible for personnel management, mentoring, performance evaluation, and workload oversight.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a normal office environment.
Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face-to-face or phone communication.
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 $81,000.00 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 or Dayton 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 https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able 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].
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission
Minimum of three (3) years of legal experience
Demonstrated litigation and advocacy experience
Strong leadership, supervision, and organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Commitment to serving low-income individuals and communities
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Experience in housing law, community economic development, or related practice areas
Prior supervisory or team leadership experience
Experience with community lawyering, policy advocacy, or movement-based legal work
Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to client communities
