Attorney Housing and Re-Entry

Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO)s mission is to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to overcome unfairness and injustice reduce poverty and increase opportunity. LASCO has a long-standing history of being committed to searching out the patterns causes of and solutions to the repetitive and fundamental legal problems facing low-income Ohioans and pursuing the legal recourse needed to address those problems. Since 1966 our organizations have helped thousands of Ohios poor obtain and keep housing secure public benefits worked with families to gain and maintain economic stability and helped domestic violence survivors to live free of fear and abuse and to obtain the resources needed to sustain themselves and their children.

LASCO is actively seeking a dedicated professional Attorney in our Housing Law Practice Group to provide comprehensive legal services for civil issues in pursuit of LASCOs mission and priorities. This opportunity will initially focus on housing issues our clients face in Central Ohio.

This is a multifaceted role supporting two different practice groups Housing and Public the housing role you will be responsible for providing legal counsel and advice as well as direct representation in the areas of housing law and our tenant advocacy project (TAP) as well as collaborating with partner organizations in providing legal assistance to our communities through special projects and grants. While on the Public Benefit side you will be responsible for re-entry civil law. Providing advocacy to help individuals transition back into the community after incarceration by removing civil barriers caused by criminal records. The responsibilities of this role will be split 50/50.

Are You Someone That:

• Is dedicated to improving the lives of low-income individuals in our communities
• Enjoys helping clients triumph over adversity
• Is motivated professional and thrives within a collaborative team-driven environment
• Believes successful resolution can be reached beyond traditional litigation
• Is interested in developing a wide range of legal skills and experiences

You Will:

• Handle all functions related to legal advocacy ranging from intake to the representation of clients before local state appellate and federal courts and all relevant agencies
• Maintain a caseload that includes both direct service and impact work
• Participate in one of our substantive teams focused on learning one area of the law more in depth and on addressing systemic issues
• Participate in outreach activities clinics and other community events
• Collaborate with other legal services attorneys on statewide advocacy
• Promote community relations and build community relationships by engaging with the public and partner service providers
• Have the opportunity to participate in excellent on-going professional development including CLE-approved trainings on substantive poverty law and advocacy skills among others
• Be a part of a community of collaborative and mission driven professionals

Requirements

You Have:

• Strong legal advocacy skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• High ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion
• High ability to facilitate collaboration as well as build and sustain productive relationships with diverse individuals groups and organizations
• Excellent communication skills both orally and written with diverse audiences
• A commitment to access for all people with a wide variety of lived experiences both internally and externally
• Strong work ethic
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications knowledge of current technologies and commitment to remain up to date with industry best practices
• English language proficiency is essential and Spanish/English bilingual skills are a plus. Additional languages even better
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admitted to the Bar of the State of Ohio (or if not currently admitted expected to obtain admission within 12 months from date of hire) preferred
• Prior Legal Aid or related work experience a plus but not required

Other Details:

• It is the policy of LASCO not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression marital status national origin disability age ancestry and military status or any other characteristic protected by law.
• This position reports to the Supervising Attorney and the opportunity is based in Columbus Ohio. The role requires some travel throughout the service area.
• Salary begins at $75000 DOE.
• LASCO offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package currently including an employer funded HRA (up to $12000) employer-paid employee dental and vision insurance a language skills differential ($2500-$3500 annually) paid vacation sick and holiday time LRAP (up to $6000) and ongoing training and development opportunities.

To Apply:

Submit resume references and letter of interest.

Salary Description

Salary begins at $75000 DOE

Required Experience:

IC