Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS) 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.
These are very exciting times for SEOLS as we are proud to announce we are growing and are actively seeking a dedicated, professional Senior Attorney in our Chillicothe, Ohio, office to provide comprehensive legal services for civil issues in pursuit of SEOLS mission and priorities. The Chillicothe office is one of the six 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.
Chillicothe, Ohio’s first capital, is proud of its exciting history, important archeological sites, and beautiful Appalachian settings. In 2022, this community was also named one of the “Best Small Towns to Visit” by Smithsonian Magazine. 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.
If you are passionate about being a part of a movement and want to be in a position to make a real impact in your community and drive systemic change, this is a great opportunity for you. In this Senior Attorney role, you will have the opportunity to provide legal representation in the areas of housing, public benefits, domestic, consumer, education, employment, and re-entry and collaborate 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 complex litigation
Mentor and act as a resource person including assisting other advocates, contributing to task forces and teams, co-counseling in cases
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 client 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
Develop specialized knowledge in a substantive area of poverty law and act as a resource in the Area Office and Program for other staff.
Educate or participate in programs involving community groups, schools and others regarding their legal rights and may prepare materials relating to these presentations.
Have the opportunity to participate in excellent ongoing professional development including CLE-approved trainings on substantive poverty law and advocacy skills among others
You Have:
Demonstrated progressive experience in practicing law as a case-handler
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
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, Equity, and Inclusion both internally and externally
Proficiency in Office 365
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 is a plus, but not required
Submit resume, writing sample, references, and letter of interest.
In your cover letter, please address the following in order for your application to be considered: OSLSA’s clientele is diverse, and all of our clients are low income. To ensure that our program 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.
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.
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