Staff Attorney- Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group

ABLE • Toledo, OH

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), a regional nonprofit law firm affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio, seeks a Staff Attorney for its Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group. The group provides legal representation to immigrants and agricultural workers throughout Ohio and advocates for systemic change to protect vulnerable communities. The attorney will provide representation in humanitarian immigration matters, including U Visas, T Visas, VAWA self-petitions, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, removal defense, bond hearings, and related forms of relief. Representation may include detained clients and proceedings before USCIS, EOIR, and, when appropriate, state and federal courts.

The role combines direct legal representation with community-based services, outreach, and education. The attorney will participate in legal clinics, community meetings, and outreach, and prepare and deliver Know Your Rights presentations, including at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio and other detention or community settings. The successful candidate will work closely with attorneys, paralegals, community partners, service providers, and client groups, while managing a reasonable caseload and participating in Practice Group initiatives supporting ABLE’s Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.

The position is based in ABLE’s Toledo, Ohio office. New staff work in the office full-time for their first 90 days; a hybrid schedule is available afterward, with at least two in-office days per week. Travel throughout ABLE’s service area may be required. The annual salary starts at $68,000. The position remains open until filled.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion, temporary certification, or passage of the next Ohio bar examination.
• Strong commitment to ABLE’s mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and serving immigrant and low-income communities.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and initiative while managing a diverse caseload.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust among ABLE’s client communities.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout ABLE’s service area.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured.

Nice To Haves

• Active license to practice law in Ohio.
• Spanish language fluency.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in immigration law, particularly humanitarian immigration matters.
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or underserved populations.
• Experience conducting community outreach, legal education, or Know Your Rights presentations.
• Experience working collaboratively with community organizations and service providers.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal representation to eligible clients in immigration matters before USCIS, EOIR, and, when appropriate, state and federal courts.
• Represent clients in humanitarian immigration matters, including U Visas, T Visas, VAWA self-petitions, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, removal defense, bond hearings, and related forms of immigration relief.
• Conduct client interviews, legal research, case preparation, negotiations, filings, and hearings.
• Assist with and participate in immigration legal clinics and other community-based legal services.
• Attend community meetings and develop collaborative relationships with immigrant communities, community organizations, and service providers.
• Prepare and conduct Know Your Rights presentations and other community education programs, including at CCNO and other detention or community facilities as needed.
• Educate community members about immigration rights and available legal resources.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of immigration law, immigration court procedures, and relevant federal and state laws.
• Handle a reasonable caseload and advocacy projects commensurate with skill and experience.
• Participate in Practice Group initiatives that support ABLE’s Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.
• Complete required administrative tasks, including case management, timekeeping, and reporting.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Annual leave.
• Sick leave.
• Supplemental language compensation.
• Loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation.
• Paid parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree