Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), a non-profit regional law firm that provides high-quality legal assistance to low-income people and groups in western Ohio, seeks a resourceful, culturally competent, hardworking attorney for its Toledo office who would advocate for systemic changes for child and adult mental health consumers.
The Attorney will work with ABLE’s Education Practice Group and Housing and Community Economic Development Practice Group providing legal representation to improve conditions that negatively impact low-income consumers of behavioral and mental health and recovery services, including children. The Attorney will work with clients and client groups, community groups, and mental health and recovery agencies on legal solutions to issues they identify. Goals include ensuring that mental health consumers have access to housing and transportation near their supports; overcoming or eliminating barriers to housing and employment created as a result of criminal justice system involvement.
Goals also include systemic and policy advocacy for appropriate and meaningful educational opportunities for children in poverty. Past work has focused on appropriate and inclusive services for children with disabilities and disrupting the school to prison pipeline, particularly for youth of color with disabilities who are disproportionately impacted by school discipline. The Attorney will be expected to conduct community legal education (Know Your Rights) presentations to mental health professionals and consumers, work closely with community and parent groups, handle administrative complaints, and participate in routine and systemic litigation.
Competitive salary based on relevant experience; comprehensive fringe benefits, including loan repayment assistance.
The Attorney must have excellent interpersonal skills and be experienced in working in collaborative environments. Membership in Ohio Bar is required. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of legal experience, familiarity with community lawyering, understand the range of legal options to advocate for people living in a disenfranchised community, and possess excellent legal and communication skills. Ability to relate well with, respect, connect and develop rapport with minority clients and community groups required. Legal experience in federal litigation, housing law, zoning law, education law, civil rights, or poverty law is helpful.
Submit resume, cover letter, and writing sample at https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able/. Position will remain open until filled.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
