Staff Attorney- Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group

ABLE • Dayton, OH

26d • Hybrid

About The Position

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm dedicated to pursuing justice and equity, facilitating access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and providing steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO). The Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights (AIR) Practice Group specifically focuses on providing high-quality legal representation to immigrants and agricultural workers throughout Ohio while advocating for systemic change to protect the rights of vulnerable communities. ABLE is seeking a passionate Staff Attorney to represent clients in immigration and immigration-related civil rights matters before administrative agencies and state and federal courts. This position will primarily serve clients in Springfield and Lima, an area that has become a focal point for immigration advocacy. The attorney will provide direct legal representation in humanitarian immigration matters and collaborate with the AIR litigation team on systemic advocacy for civil and due process rights. The role involves working closely with attorneys, paralegals, community partners, and client groups to deliver legal services, conduct outreach, and build relationships within immigrant communities. This position is ideal for an attorney passionate about combining direct representation with community engagement and impact litigation to advance equity and justice.

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 with the ability to build trust among diverse cultural and linguistic communities.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout ABLE's service area.
• Fluency in Spanish, French, or Haitian Creole.

Nice To Haves

• Three (3) years of experience practicing immigration law preferred.
• Experience representing clients before USCIS and EOIR.
• Experience conducting community outreach and building partnerships with community organizations.
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or underserved populations.

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 matters including U Visas, T Visas, affirmative and defensive asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), VAWA self-petitions, and related immigration relief.
• Collaborate with the AIR litigation team to advance civil rights and due process protections through strategic litigation and systemic advocacy.
• Conduct client interviews, legal research, case preparation, negotiations, and hearings.
• Coordinate and participate in pro se asylum clinics and other community legal clinics based on client needs.
• Conduct outreach and build collaborative relationships with immigrant communities, community organizations, and service providers.
• Educate community members regarding 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 requirements.

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: Mid Level