Staff Attorney

Position: Staff Attorney - Housing & Community Economic Development

Job Summary:
The Staff Attorney will provide legal support to residents and tenant organizations working to build healthy, economically vibrant communities. This role involves litigation and policy advocacy focused on housing, community development, and tenants' rights. The attorney will collaborate with community members, organizers, and advocates to address systemic challenges affecting low-income residents and promote racial and economic justice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):
Engage client communities and address identified legal needs to alleviate poverty and address systemic racism in targeted neighborhoods.
Collaborate and advocate with impacted community members to further issues identified by community leaders, using community lawyering approach.
Provide high-quality legal assistance to eligible clients through advice, counsel, negotiation, litigation, administrative representation, and community education.
Maintain a good working knowledge of procedures for federal, state, and local courts and administrative agencies.
Develop a strong understanding of substantive laws relevant to assigned practice group.
Handle a reasonable volume of cases and advocacy projects commensurate with skill and experience.
Actively participate in practice group initiatives to implement Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with courts, bar associations, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Assist in resolving complaints and grievances from applicants and clients.
Complete required administrative tasks, including time records and case reports.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
SCOPE & IMPACT:
The Staff Attorney plays a critical role in advancing ABLE's mission by providing legal representation to vulnerable communities, advocating for systemic change, and promoting equal justice and opportunity.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
MINIMUM 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 bar examination.
Strong commitment to ABLE’s mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and poverty law.
Excellent legal, writing, analytical, and oral advocacy skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum of two years of legal experience in poverty law, public interest advocacy, or related areas.
Experience in interagency cooperation, collaboration, and community engagement.
Familiarity with movement lawyering and community lawyering models.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
May supervise paralegals or legal assistants as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a normal office environment
Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $68,000.00. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including but not limited to; health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, relocation assistance, bar study exam stipend and paid parental leave. This position can be based out of Toledo, with hybrid work possible.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,912.39 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Community Economic Development: 6 years (Required)
• Housing Law: 6 years (Preferred)
• Fair Housing regulations: 6 years (Preferred)
• Housing Advocacy: 4 years (Preferred)
• Real estate law: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road