Staff Attorney Housing & Community Development
Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), a non-profit regional law firm that provides high-quality legal assistance to low-income persons and groups in western Ohio, seeks a bright, creative, hardworking attorney for its Lima office.
The Attorney will work with our Housing and Community Economic Development Practice Group. The Housing and Community Economic Development Practice Group recognizes that 1) access to safe, affordable housing; 2) the freedom to access areas of opportunity and be connected with housing, education and other critical needs to improve the quality of life; and 3) the ability to participate in and benefit from development within their own communities are essential components of self-sufficiency, equal justice and economic opportunity. The Attorney will expand LAWO’s community economic development capacity in Lima and other communities in our 32 county service area. The attorney will advocate and provide support for community development, helping stabilize property values, increase economic resources, and improve the quality of life in low-income communities; address public health risks and environmental contaminants connected to and affecting low-income communities; and provide technical and legal support for low-income entrepreneurs beginning or struggling to maintain small business enterprises.
The Attorney must have excellent interpersonal skills and be experienced in working in collaborative environments. Membership in the Ohio Bar or ability to be admitted by motion or temporary certification is required. Excellent legal and communication skills, experience with case management, Microsoft Office, GIS mapping software and an understanding of community lawyering is preferred. Ability to relate well with low income clients and a commitment to legal services to the poor are required. Attorneys with recent bar admissions are encouraged to apply. Legal experience in fair housing, civil rights or poverty law in general is helpful. Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish is helpful. Salary depends on relevant legal experience. Excellent fringe benefits.
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter electronically as soon as possible, in Microsoft Word format, to: Email: jobs@lawolaw.org
Subject: Staff Attorney – Housing and Community Economic Practice Group
LAWO 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. Equal access to LAWO’s office is available. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/ application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at the address listed above.