Description
Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) is part of a three-part legal aid program headquartered in Columbus, Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA). OSLSA’s mission is to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to combat unfairness and injustice and to help people rise out of poverty.
LASC is actively seeking a mission driven, experienced Attorney to provide support for the program’s immigration work including providing legal representation and legal counseling to vulnerable refugees and immigrants while working to protect their rights.
In this role, initially you will be responsible for partnering with organizations that work with the immigrant and refugee communities as well as direct representation of clients. Consistent with our funding restrictions, legal work may include representation of immigration clients with language access issues, T&U visas, VAWA and family petitions, naturalization and citizenship applications, as well as other legal issues within the LASC practice groups.
Are You Someone That:
- Is dedicated to improving the lives of low-income individuals in our communities?
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment which requires quick thinking and analysis?
- 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 passionate about empowering and supporting the immigrant community?
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 including representing clients in immigration matters
- Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA) is a three-part legal aid program headquartered in Columbus. OSLSA’s mission is to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to combat unfairness and injustice and to help people rise out of poverty.
- Participate in outreach activities, clinics and other community events
- Participate in program and agency community legal education and outreach efforts, particularly as they relate to issues of immigration law
- 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:
- Demonstrated experience practicing immigration law
- 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 diversity and inclusion both internally and externally
- A commitment to providing culturally competent services
- 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 bilingual skills in Spanish, Somali and/or Nepali 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, eligible to waive in) required
- Prior Legal Aid or related work experience a plus, but not required
Other Details:
- It is the policy of OSLSA 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. LASC is an equal opportunity employer.
- The position reports to the Managing Attorney and is based in Columbus, Ohio. The role requires some travel throughout the service area.
- Salary begins at $54,000 depending on experience. LASC offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, Loan Repayment Assistant of up to $6,000 and ongoing training and development opportunities.
To Apply: Submit resume, letter of interest, writing sample and references for consideration.
In your letter, please address the following in order for your application to be considered: OSLSA’s clientele is extremely diverse and all of our clients are low-income. To ensure that our agency is best serving our communities, OSLSA strives to promote an evolving set of behaviors and attitudes amongst our staff, as well as policies that enable us to work effectively in all cross-cultural situations, with clients, with our coworkers, and with the community. We see this as a commitment to enhance the provision of our services to all clients; to raise the level of positive client outcomes; and to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.
How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to our commitment to cultural humility and diversity amongst our staff? Feel free to think broadly about your response to this question, applying various aspects of your life and personal experiences.
To promote social justice and best serve our clients, OSLSA is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and providing culturally competent services. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and historically oppressed groups including BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply. Bilingual/bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.