Staff Attorney - Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality legal representation to eligible clients in immigration matters before USCIS, EOIR, and when appropriate, state and federal courts.
- Represent clients in matters including U Visas, T Visas, affirmative and defensive asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), VAWA self-petitions, and related immigration relief.
- Collaborate with the AIR litigation team to advance civil rights and due process protections through strategic litigation and systemic advocacy.
- Conduct client interviews, legal research, case preparation, negotiations, and hearings.
- Coordinate and participate in pro se asylum clinics and other community legal clinics based on client needs.
- Conduct outreach and build collaborative relationships with immigrant communities, community organizations, and service providers.
- Educate community members regarding immigration rights and available legal resources.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of immigration law, immigration court procedures, and relevant federal and state laws.
- Handle a reasonable caseload and advocacy projects commensurate with skill and experience.
- Participate in Practice Group initiatives that support ABLE's Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.
- Complete required administrative tasks, including case management, timekeeping, and reporting requirements.
Minimum Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion, temporary certification, or passage of the next Ohio bar examination.
- Strong commitment to ABLE's mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and serving immigrant and low-income communities.
- Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and initiative while managing a diverse caseload.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust among diverse cultural and linguistic communities.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout ABLE's service area.
- Fluency in Spanish, French, or Haitian Creole (preferred).
Preferred Requirements
- Experience practicing immigration law.
- Experience representing clients before USCIS and EOIR.
- Experience conducting community outreach and building partnerships with community organizations.
- Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or underserved populations.
Scope & Impact
The Staff Attorney plays a vital role in protecting the legal rights of immigrants and advancing equal access to justice throughout western Ohio. Through direct representation, community outreach, and systemic advocacy, this position helps safeguard vulnerable populations while strengthening relationships with immigrant communities and promoting meaningful policy change.
Compensation, Benefits & Work Location
- The annual salary range for this position starts at $68,000.00.
- ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave.
- This position is based out of our Dayton, Ohio office. The successful candidate will primarily serve clients in Springfield, Lima, and Dayton, with travel required to those communities, courts, and USCIS offices as necessary.
Other Duties
Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.
To Apply
Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled. ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.