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 has a long-standing history of being committed to searching out the patterns, causes of, and solutions to the repetitive and fundamental legal problems facing low-income Ohioans and pursuing the legal recourse needed to address those problems. Since 1966, our organizations have helped thousands of Ohio’s poor obtain and keep housing, secure public benefits, worked with families to gain and maintain economic stability, and helped domestic violence survivors to live free of fear and abuse and to obtain the resources needed to sustain themselves and their children.

LASCO is actively seeking a mission driven, experienced attorney to provide support for the program’s immigration work including coordinating LASCO’'s pro bono immigration clinics and case referrals.

In this role, you will be responsible for partnering with organizations that work with the immigrant and refugee communities as well as identifying and preparing clients for pro bono clinics and case referrals. Consistent with our funding restrictions, legal work may include mentoring other lawyers and some limited 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 LASCO 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
• Monitor and provide mentoring and support for the pro bono immigration caseload that includes both direct service and impact work
• Participate in program and agency community legal education and outreach efforts, particularly as they relate to issues of immigration law
• 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

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 judgment 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, Haitian Creole, or another language are a plus.
• 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 LASCO 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.
• This full-time, exempt position is based in Columbus, Ohio and reports to the Managing Attorney.
• Salary begins at $75,000 & up and is dependent upon level of experience.
• LASCO offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, currently including an employer funded HRA (up to $12,000), employer-paid employee dental and vision insurance, a language skills differential ($2,500-$3,500 annually), paid vacation, sick and holiday time, LRAP eligibility, and ongoing training and development opportunities.

To Apply: Submit resume, writing samples, references, and letter of interest.