2027 Summer Associate Program
About The Position
Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) is offering Summer Associate positions for 2027, providing valuable practical experience and compensation to current 1L and 2L law students seeking careers in public interest law. This role operates in a fast-paced, hybrid environment, working with experienced and passionate advocates. LAWO is a non-profit law firm dedicated to providing high-quality civil legal services to individuals and households living in poverty across northwest and west central Ohio, as well as serving agricultural workers throughout Ohio. LAWO attorneys address the root causes of poverty by offering legal assistance in various civil areas, representing clients such as survivors of domestic violence, tenants, homeowners, individuals seeking public benefits and healthcare, older adults, and Veterans. Summer Associates will engage in traditional research and writing, work closely with advocates, receive training in poverty law, observe court proceedings, and meet with legal professionals. Mentorship from experienced attorneys will guide Associates in public interest law careers, and they will gain direct client engagement experience within the communities served.
Requirements
- Current 1L or 2L law student.
- Demonstrate a passion for public service.
- Commitment to meeting all program requirements.
- Work full-time (35 hours per week) for a minimum of 10 weeks from May 17, 2027, to July 23, 2027.
- Attend a program orientation in Toledo on May 17, 2027.
- Submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references.
- Cover letter must include: whether seeking hybrid or in-person work, preferred office location, top two interests for practice areas and why, description of volunteer or public interest work completed and/or interest in serving low-income families and communities.
- Cover letter should be less than two pages and include all requested information.
- Candidates may submit one writing sample.
Nice To Haves
- Seeking careers in public interest law.
- Interest in working in a fast-paced, hybrid environment.
- Interest in working with experienced, passionate people known for excellent and compassionate advocacy.
- Interest in serving individuals and households living in poverty.
- Interest in serving agricultural workers throughout Ohio.
- Interest in representing survivors of domestic violence, tenants and homeowners, those seeking public benefits and healthcare, older adults, and Veterans.
- Interest in addressing the root causes of poverty.
Responsibilities
- Conduct traditional research and writing assignments.
- Work closely with advocates in their practice group.
- Receive training on the basics of poverty law.
- Gain knowledge of legal practice through court observation.
- Attend meetings with local attorneys and judges.
- Engage with clients in the communities served.
- Comply with all LAWO policies and procedures.
Benefits
- Paid salary of $7,000 ($20.00 per hour).
- Reimbursement for program-related travel.
- Assistance with securing additional funding or grants if applicants can.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
