Law Student Externship

Equality Ohio•Columbus, OH

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Equality Ohio Education Fund is seeking individuals who wish to apply for a legal internship position as part of Equality Ohio’s Legal Clinic, which serves lower-income LGBTQ+ identified people across Ohio.

Requirements

First-year through fourth-year law student or LLM candidate.
Familiarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Strong commitment and passion for public interest and social justice work.
Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills.
Ability to work with diverse groups in an intersectional manner and across all levels of organizations with a commitment to teamwork.
Effective public speaking and presentation skills.
Demonstrated reliability, creativity, versatility and initiative.
Proficiency with Office (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Drive and LexisNexis/Westlaw or other legal research software.
Unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ Ohioans
Awareness of the issue priorities, policy battles, and experiences of LGBTQ+ Ohioans
Be willing to travel and have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with insurance

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.
Demonstrated passion for public interest and social justice work with a particular passion for the mission of Equality Ohio
Knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues, advocacy work and the Ohio nonprofit landscape strongly preferred.
Familiarity with Race Equity and its relationship to the LGBTQ+ community and experience utilizing a Race Equity approach in organizing
Proven ability to develop strategy, set goals, and deliver results in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Strong interpersonal skills; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Direct experience working at an LGBTQ+ or trans-focused movement organization
An understanding that the process of changing hearts and minds is not overnight or immediate, which is a core element of our theory of change

Responsibilities

Intake and outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals needing legal representation;
Assisting with legal representation for LGBTQ+ individuals with civil legal needs, including drafting pleadings, attending client meetings, and attending court;
Outreach to LGBTQ & allied attorneys, legal-service organizations, and LGBTQ-serving organizations;
Assisting in representing Equality Ohio community events, such as Pop-Up Legal Clinics, Pride festivals, and Know Your Rights presentations;
Assisting with the implementation of a Community Legal Needs Assessment;
Conducing legal research and preparing memoranda of law;
Drafting and updating LGBTQ+ Know Your Rights pamphlets and brochures;
Upholding and advancing Equality Ohio’s vision, mission, and values.
Adapting to and utilizing internal communications and document retention protocols and platforms
Providing content and expertise to inform grant proposals and reports and funder communications as needed
Other duties as assigned.