ABLE and LAWO are one of the few programs in the country that receive an AmeriCorps Grant that employs professional members. Through the Ohio Community Service Council, ABLE and LAWO established the AmeriCorps Homelessness Prevention and Housing Opportunity Project, helping hundreds of low-income individuals and families obtain or preserve access to affordable, decent housing each year. Working together, the nonprofit law firms are able to dedicate attorneys and paralegals to provide legal information, education and general assistance to low-income residents and the homeless in an effort to help them acquire and maintain safe, affordable housing. AmeriCorps Members work to:
Prevent eviction and foreclosure;
Improve substandard housing conditions;
Obtain or preserve eligibility for housing subsidies; and
Address consumer law issues that often lead to the loss of a home, including predatory lending.
AmeriCorps attorneys also work closely with government and nonprofit agencies throughout the service area to promote tenants' rights and to advocate for the development of affordable housing.
"I have chosen to work in legal aid so that I can help those who do not have the financial means, or who are somehow disadvantaged, to be able to come to the table prepared to have their legal issues heard. I want to use the advantages I have had to give back and use what skills I have to try to gain a more equitable legal outcome, regardless of income or any other category that may be used to divide, for our service population.
My passion is in serving, and I use my abilities to serve where I know this is needed and serve where I know I belong: legal aid.
I feel I make a difference when I see and hear the thanks from clients for the help I've given them, even if the outcome is not the exact result they wanted. It's in knowing that there is something called legal aid where people can go to receive the help they need, and knowing they will receive the best representation money could never buy."
Holly Murrell AmeriCorps Team Member / LAWO Attorney
Homelessness Prevention and Housing Opportunity Project
A project through the Ohio Community Service Council, 22 AmeriCorps attorneys located throughout ABLE and LAWO’s 32-county service area will provide direct legal representation to clients, as well as offer legal information, education, and outreach to help low-income individuals maintain or acquire safe and affordable housing. These attorneys will also work with community organizations to develop projects designed to expand the availability of affordable housing. Positions will be out of offices located in Dayton, Defiance, and Toledo. This is a collaborative project between the partner law firms of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO).
Attorney candidates should be admitted to the Ohio Bar or be eligible for temporary certification in Ohio. Recent law graduates should be prepared to take and pass the next Ohio Bar exam. Candidates should also:
Be highly motivated and committed to the principle of equal justice.
Have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with people.
Have excellent research and writing skills.
Take initiative and be a leader.
Be creative and willing to accept responsibility for challenging projects.
Have good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
The ability to speak Spanish is helpful.
Compensation is set by Federal statute. For each year of service, attorneys will receive:
A living allowance up to $23,600 per year.
Health insurance and eligibility for child care assistance.
A $5,350 education award from AmeriCorps.
Loan forbearance and interest accrual payment for government student loans.
Actual moving expense and Bar admission assistance.
Participation in ABLE and LAWO’s comprehensive substantive and skills training program.
Travel reimbursement.
The opportunity to join a staff of outstanding and experienced advocates in law firms with outstanding reputations.
Send cover letter, resume, and three references in Word or PDF format only to:
ABLE and LAWO are one of the few programs in the country that receive an AmeriCorps Grant that employs professional members. Through the Ohio Community Service Council, ABLE and LAWO established the AmeriCorps Homelessness Prevention and Housing Opportunity Project, helping hundreds of low-income individuals and families obtain or preserve access to affordable, decent housing each year. Working together, the nonprofit law firms are able to dedicate attorneys and paralegals to provide legal information, education and general assistance to low-income residents and the homeless in an effort to help them acquire and maintain safe, affordable housing. AmeriCorps Members work to:
"I have chosen to work in legal aid so that I can help those who do not have the financial means, or who are somehow disadvantaged, to be able to come to the table prepared to have their legal issues heard. I want to use the advantages I have had to give back and use what skills I have to try to gain a more equitable legal outcome, regardless of income or any other category that may be used to divide, for our service population. 