The Senior Attorney position is a leadership position within the Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights (AIR) practice group at ABLE. AIR advocates empower low-income immigrants and agricultural workers through high-quality legal representation, community education, and community organizing. We work for a future where systems are just, and our clients have equal opportunities to thrive in society regardless of where they come from or what type of work they do.
AIR provides direct representation to clients applying for humanitarian relief before USCIS, EOIR, and in federal court, and host pro se clinics to advise and provide limited representation for clients in a number of immigration matters. We also litigate individual, class action, and mass action cases in federal and state courts to enjoin discriminatory state and federal policies and actions. As an unrestricted legal services organization, ABLE also advocates for changes in local, state, and federal policies and laws to achieve justice for immigrants and refugees. ABLE engages client communities and stakeholders to amplify our advocacy efforts and center impacted voices.
ABLE seeks a Senior Attorney to join the leadership team in AIR. The senior attorney will work alongside the supervising attorney and under the leadership of the managing attorney to direct the immigration legal services in the northern part of ABLE’s service area. The senior attorney will manage their own case load and will also supervise 1-2 staff (DOJ accredited representatives or staff attorneys). The senior attorney may also serve as lead on a grant or specific project within AIR as opportunities arise. This position requires expertise in immigration law and procedure, a willingness to supervise and mentor junior staff, and an ability to assist with reporting service outcomes to funders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide high-quality legal assistance to eligible clients in affirmative immigration applications before USCIS, removal defense representation for detained and non-detained clients before EOIR, and other representation before federal courts as needed.
Work with the managing attorney and other staff to develop goals and priorities for AIR’s immigration work in northern Ohio.
Lead, develop, and implement at least one major immigration advocacy project, including supervising and mentoring attorneys and legal staff involved in those projects.
Supervise staff and direct advice and counsel or legal assistance clinics and client education sessions in the northern part of ABLE’s service area.
Strengthen AIR’s relationships with existing community partners; participate in existing coalitions; supervise junior staff’s relationship building with community partners.
Ensure all legal work meets ABLE's high-quality standards and achieves measurable outcomes.
Author publications, present at state/regional/national trainings, and engage in advocacy coalitions.
Employ community lawyering to empower client communities and identify systemic issues.
Effectively use technology to manage cases, track outcomes, and report data.
Travel locally as needed for casework and community engagement.
SCOPE & IMPACT:
This position provides leadership in major advocacy initiatives, significantly impacting ABLE’s service to low-income and marginalized communities. The Senior Attorney is responsible for case outcomes, strategic advocacy development, and strengthening ABLE’s community relationships.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion or temporary certification.
At least 5 years of major advocacy experience, including litigation, policy advocacy, or major projects.
Strong litigation, trial, and/or community advocacy skills.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and co-counsel with less experienced staff.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Commitment to ABLE’s mission and to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated understanding of and engagement with issues of racial justice and structural racism.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Experience working with low-income individuals or marginalized communities.
Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish.
Additional language proficiency is a plus
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervision and mentorship of attorneys and legal staff involved in assigned advocacy projects.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a normal office environment.
Must hold a valid driver's license and be insurable.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
TO APPLY:
Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
