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Position Available:
Paralegal
Housing and Community Economic Development Practice Group
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm established over 50 years ago to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities have the same access to justice as people and companies that can afford to retain an attorney. ABLE and its partner law firm, Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), are the only law firms available for comprehensive legal representation in non-criminal matters for more than 425,000 people living, working, and raising their families in poverty in Northwest and West Central Ohio. ABLE advocates for and with financially disadvantaged individuals and communities to effectuate just and equitable policy changes that address the structural causes of poverty and to protect their right to fairness and justice in the legal system. Each member of the staff plays an integral part in the proper representation of the client. The efficient and effective operation of the law firm requires the full cooperation of all its members to achieve our goals. Each member must therefore have a commitment to the general purposes and operation of ABLE and be able to work effectively with all parts of the ABLE network and delivery system. An effort must be made to achieve a successful working atmosphere among the staff. All staff members are responsible for the proper execution of their duties and for dealing with our clients and visitors in a professional and pleasant manner. Dependability, trustworthiness, confidentiality, and competence are required for all staff. All staff members are expected to integrate ABLE’s Standards of Excellence in their work, in dealing with colleagues, and in serving clients. The Standards of Excellence are available on the company Intranet site. The requirements in this job description coupled with the employee’s work plan are the basis for employee evaluations. The person in this position is expected to perform the Duties and Responsibilities listed below on a regular and consistent basis.
Job Summary:
The paralegal will work under the supervision of an attorney to provide high-quality legal assistance to eligible clients, particularly low-income individuals and communities. This role involves comprehensive support, including drafting pleadings, legal research, investigation, community outreach, client engagement, and administrative support. The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of legal procedures and substantive areas of law relevant to housing, community economic development, probate matters, and basic estate planning, contributing to impactful legal services and community advocacy for ABLE’s client population.
Job Description:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):
- Under the supervision of an attorney, prepare, draft, and proofread legal documents, conduct legal research and investigation, meet with clients, attorneys and other experts to discuss case details, and engage in community outreach.
- Prepare and file court documents, perform general administrative duties.
- Be familiar with and have a good working knowledge of the procedures and rules for federal and state courts and administrative agencies.
- Develop a good understanding of those substantive areas of law and community resources that affect the clients served by ABLE.
- Using movement lawyering principals and strategies in collaboration with a supervising attorney, engage with impacted community members, listen to and understand community concerns, and provide legal information to address community-identified needs.
- Participate in the implementation of the program's priorities for the allocation of its resources.
- Establish and maintain a good working relationship with other legal services programs, community-based organizations, social service agencies, public officials, and other individuals or groups that may be involved in the provision of legal services to people impacted by poverty.
- Aid, as requested, in referral and case management procedures established for ABLE's pro bono volunteers.
- Comply with required administrative tasks, including the timely completion of time records, case and funding reports.
SCOPE & IMPACT:
Paralegals play a critical role in advancing access to justice for marginalized and low-income communities. This position ensures that clients receive thorough and compassionate legal support while empowering the broader community through outreach and education. By assisting in strategic case work and fostering collaboration with impacted communities and organizations, the paralegal directly contributes to ABLE’s mission of addressing systemic issues and achieving meaningful legal outcomes. The role’s administrative responsibilities further support the sustainability and effectiveness of ABLE’s services.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrate excellent writing and oral communication skills, legal research and investigation skills.
- Degree in ABA approved legal and paralegal studies program or two years equivalent work experience.
- Experience in community advocacy.
- Previous legal services experience preferred.
- Dependable, competent, discrete, and trustworthy.
- Able to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and zealously advocate for clients.
- Attention to detail.
- Computer proficient.
- Ability to relate well with low-income communities and clients, engage in community-based advocacy and understand the unique challenges facing our client communities, and have a commitment to legal services to disadvantaged individuals and communities.
- Commitment to ABLE’s mission, the Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and to ABLE’s clients and client communities.
- Ability to work with diverse clients and staff in an inclusive, collaborative environment and friendly manner.
- May require regular travel to the northern regions of ABLE’s 32-county service area.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is performed in an open office environment.
- Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $50,600 and may increase based on experience. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance and paid parental leave. This position is based out of Toledo, with hybrid work possible.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate 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. Position will remain open until filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in our workplace, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and we encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.
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