2024 Summer Associate Program

Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) is pleased to offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for Summer Associate positions for 2024. These positions provide valuable practical experience and compensation to students seeking careers in public interest law in a fast-paced, hybrid environment. Come work with experienced, passionate people who are known for excellent and compassionate advocacy.

LAWO is a non-profit law firm serving northwest and west central Ohio that offers high-quality legal services in civil matters to low-income individuals and groups to achieve self-reliance, equal justice, and economic opportunity. We strive to address the root causes of poverty. LAWO attorneys provide legal assistance in a wide range of civil areas. LAWO represents victims of domestic violence, tenants facing evictions, homeowners in foreclosure, individuals seeking public benefits and healthcare, and students who need appropriate educational opportunities. LAWO attorneys handle individual cases and large-scale litigation in state and federal courts and advocate for policy changes on issues facing our clients.

In addition to traditional research and writing assignments, each Associate will work closely with advocates in their practice group, receive training on the basics of poverty law, and gain additional knowledge of legal practice through court observation and meetings with local attorneys and judges. Experienced attorneys will mentor Associates on how to excel in a public interest law career. Associates also receive direct experience engaging with clients in the communities we serve.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references through the link below.

Applicant materials should demonstrate a passion for public service and a commitment to meeting all program requirements. Candidates may submit one writing sample if they wish to do so.

Cover letter should indicate whether the candidate is seeking remote, hybrid, or in-person work. It should also list the candidate’s preferred office location unless the candidate requests fully remote work. The cover letter should also indicate the candidate’s top 2 interests for practice areas of law and why. Further, please describe any volunteer or public interest work you have completed in the cover letter, and/or describe your interest in serving low- income and marginalized families and communities. Cover letter should be less than two pages and must include all requested information.

Geographic locations (choose1):
• Dayton
• Defiance
• Lima
• Toledo
• Findlay
• Sandusky
• Springfield

Practice Areas of Law (choose 2):
• Agricultural workers’ rights
• Consumer protections and bankruptcy
• Domestic violence survivors’ rights and family law
• Eviction defense, foreclosures, and housing law
• Seniors’ rights and estate planning

Requirements:
• Work full-time (35 hours per week) for a minimum of 10 weeks from May 20, 2024, to July 26, 2024.
• Attend a program orientation in Toledo on May 20, 2024. Virtual accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Comply with all LAWO policies and procedures.

Compensation:
Summer associates will receive a paid stipend/salary. Additional information will be provided at the interview stage. If applicants are able to secure additional funding or grants, LAWO will provide necessary documentation. Reimbursement for program-related travel is also available.