2027-2029 Fellowship Applications

ABLE•Toledo, OH

About The Position

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (“ABLE”) is eager to host 3L or recent law graduate candidates for two-year fellowships beginning September 2027. Candidates for fellowships are encouraged to develop and bring forward proposals for work in an area of poverty law in one of the following areas (development of a full proposal will be in collaboration with ABLE attorneys): Access to Meaningful and Appropriate Education, Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights, Healthcare and Public Benefits, Housing and Community Economic Development, Meaningful Access to Justice, Medical-Legal Partnership, Reentering Citizens, Consumer Protection. Project proposals should focus on legal advocacy on behalf of disenfranchised individuals, groups, or issues not adequately represented in our legal system, including projects serving rural Ohioans. Applications should describe how the project aims to meet the unmet needs of underserved populations or remove barriers to opportunity. ABLE encourages applicants to apply as early as possible – fellowship programs are competitive, and we want ample time to work with successful applicants to develop a compelling project to submit to the funder. ABLE will work closely with successful applicants to develop their project and navigate the fellowship process. If selected, candidates should be prepared to move quickly to develop their project proposal for submission to the outside fellowship sponsor on or before August 31, 2026. Final selection of fellows is contingent on the sponsor’s selection of a candidate’s proposal.

Requirements

3L or recent law graduate candidates.
Eligible to take the Ohio Bar Exam in July of 2027.
Applicants who can be admitted to practice law in Ohio prior to July 2027 or can submit a UBE transfer application to the Supreme Court of Ohio by January 15, 2027, may also be considered.
Demonstrated interest in public interest law.
Strong academic records.
Excellent organization and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload.

Nice To Haves

More fully developed proposals may also be included.

Responsibilities

Develop and bring forward proposals for work in an area of poverty law.
Focus on legal advocacy on behalf of disenfranchised individuals, groups, or issues not adequately represented in our legal system.
Meet the unmet needs of underserved populations or remove barriers to opportunity.
Develop project proposal for submission to the outside fellowship sponsor.