Description:

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 is the new name for two long-standing legal aid programs, The Legal Aid Society of Columbus and Southeastern Ohio Legal Services, which merged in January 2024. The programs have been affiliated for more than a decade, and this legal merger is just the culmination of many years of collaboration and growing efficiencies between our two direct service programs.

LASCO is actively seeking dedicated, professional Staff or Senior Attorney in our New Philadelphia, Ohio office to provide comprehensive legal services for civil issues in pursuit of LASCO mission and priorities. The New Philadelphia office is one of the eight offices in the service area, allowing the person in this role to be a part of a community consisting of collaborative and mission-driven attorneys doing impact work in their respective communities. Attorneys balance systemic advocacy with practical day-to-day legal representation.

New Philadelphia offers a cost-of-living index 11% lower than the U.S. average all while being recognized as one of the most-visited areas of the state. Locals also love the region's extensive system of parks, lakes, and recreational facilities. As part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative legal experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, diverse, and inclusive workforce and community.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing legal counsel and advice as well as direct representation in the areas of housing, public benefits, tax, domestic, consumer, education, employment and re-entry and collaborating with partner organizations in providing legal assistance to our communities through special projects and grants.

Are You Someone Who:

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 diversity and inclusion 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