Contact Us

MIE
PO Box 27010, 7782 Crittenden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(267) 277-3404 (phone)

Email Us

Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) Attorney

Description: 

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) is part of the Ohio State Legal Services Association (OSLSA), a three-part legal aid program headquartered in Columbus. OSLSA’s mission is to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to combat unfairness and injustice and to help people rise out of poverty.


LASC is actively seeking dedicated, professional Attorneys to provide support for the Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) which works to prevent evictions, address dangerous housing conditions and preserve affordable housing in Central Ohio. This position is focused on addressing the continued bottleneck of housing issues experienced during the pandemic.


In this role, you will be responsible for providing legal counsel and advice as well as direct representation for tenants in eviction proceedings 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?
  • 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 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 facing eviction before the Franklin County Municipal Court through advice, negotiations and representation at trial.
  • 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
  • Prior Legal Aid or related work experience a plus, but not required

Other Details:

  • It is the policy of OSLSA 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.
  • The position reports to the Supervising Attorney of the TAP Team as part of the Housing Practice Group. Positions currently available based in Columbus, Ohio and may require some travel throughout the service area.
  • Salary begins at $53,000 DOE and offers up to $6,000 in loan repayment. OSLSA offers an excellent benefits package and ongoing training and development opportunities.
To Apply: 

Submit resume, writing sample, references and letter of interest.


In your letter, please address the following in order for your application to be considered: OSLSA’s clientele is extremely diverse and all of our clients are low income. To ensure that our agency is best serving our communities, OSLSA strives to promote an evolving set of behaviors and attitudes amongst our staff, as well as policies that enable us to work effectively in all cross-cultural situations, with clients, with our coworkers, and with the community. We see this as a commitment to enhance the provision of our services to all clients; to raise the level of positive client outcomes; and to create an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.


How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to our commitment to cultural humility and diversity amongst our staff? Feel free to think broadly about your response to this question, applying various aspects of your life and personal experiences.


To promote social justice and best serve our clients, OSLSA is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and providing culturally competent services. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and historically oppressed groups including BIPOC and LGBTQ individuals to apply. Bilingual/bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Information

Submission Deadline: 
June 9, 2022
Organization Information: 
Ohio State Legal Services Association
1108 City Park Ave
United States