Supervising Attorney - Children's Education Rights

Position Overview Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non‑profit law firm. The position is based out of ABLE’s Toledo office. Job Summary Join ABLE’s innovative legal advocacy for parents and children to advance education justice. Our Work To Promote Equitable Public Education Includes Protecting equal educational opportunities and the civil rights of all children, regardless of background, zip code, or personal characteristics. Defending students in school discipline matters and disrupting the school‑to‑prison pipeline, particularly for youth of color. Securing appropriate, accessible, and inclusive education for children with disabilities and other specialized educational needs. Role Overview The Supervising Attorney for the Children's Education Rights Practice Group is a leadership position responsible for supervising legal staff while advancing litigation (including impact litigation), administrative advocacy, policy‑focused legal work, and community‑based legal strategies. The role leads attorneys, paralegals, law clerks, and other staff to deliver high‑quality legal services to children and families throughout ABLE’s service area. The position combines direct legal advocacy with program leadership, staff supervision, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational leadership. Key Responsibilities (other duties as assigned) Supervise and mentor attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, including oversight of casework, advocacy strategies, and professional development. Lead and coordinate impact and civil rights litigation, policy advocacy, and community lawyering initiatives. Provide high‑quality legal representation, including litigation, negotiation, and administrative advocacy. Utilize knowledge of federal, state, and local procedures governing civil rights or education law and administrative agencies. Support and advance community‑based advocacy efforts, including collaboration, partnership, outreach, and community legal education with local organizations, agencies, and groups. Manage a reasonable caseload consistent with supervisory responsibilities. Participate in strategic and impactful project planning and contribute to organizational leadership discussions. Ensure compliance with ABLE policies, funding requirements, and reporting obligations. Scope & Impact This position plays a critical leadership role in shaping ABLE's education justice advocacy throughout western Ohio. The Supervising Attorney directly impacts service delivery, staff development, and the effectiveness of systemic advocacy efforts. Through leadership of the Children's Education Rights Practice Group, the role helps drive lasting improvements in educational access, equity, and outcomes for low‑income children and families. Minimum Requirements Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission. At least 3 years of legal experience, particularly in litigation and advocacy, with knowledge of civil rights and/or education law. Strong leadership, supervision, and organizational skills. Excellent analytical, writing, communication, and advocacy skills. Commitment to ABLE’s mission and client communities. Demonstrated professionalism, judgment, reliability, and initiative. Ability to mentor, coach, encourage, motivate, and work with management and staff effectively in both remote and in‑office environments. Enthusiasm for challenging work and opportunities. Preferred Requirements Experience in federal court. Experience with complex litigation. Prior supervisory or team leadership experience. Experience in poverty law, community lawyering, policy advocacy, or movement‑based legal work. Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to client communities. Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises attorneys, paralegals, and/or law clerks; responsible for personnel management, mentoring, performance evaluation, and workload oversight. Physical Demands / Work Environment Work performed in a normal office environment. Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face‑to‑face or phone communication. Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable. May require walking several blocks or overnight travel. New staff required to work in the office full‑time during first 90 days; thereafter a hybrid schedule with a minimum of two in‑office days per week is available. Compensation, Benefits and Work Location Starting salary $81,000.00, increases with experience. Comprehensive fringe benefits: health insurance, annual and sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, and paid parental leave. Position based out of Toledo office. Equal Opportunity Employer ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create a welcoming environment for all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Legal Aid & Defender Association