2026 Summer Associate Program

Description:

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is pleased to offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for Summer Associate positions for 2026. These positions provide valuable practical experience and compensation to students seeking careers in public interest law in a fast-paced, engaging environment. Come work with experienced, passionate people who are known for excellent and compassionate advocacy.

ABLE is an unrestricted, non-profit law firm serving northwest and west central Ohio whose mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. We strive to address the root causes of poverty and provide legal assistance in a wide range of civil areas. ABLE represents agricultural workers and immigrants, victims of domestic violence, tenants facing evictions, individuals seeking public benefits and healthcare, and students who need appropriate educational opportunities. ABLE attorneys handle individual cases and large-scale litigation in state and federal courts and advocate for policy changes on issues facing our clients.

In addition to traditional research and writing assignments, each Associate will work closely with advocates in their practice group, receive training on the basics of poverty law, and gain additional knowledge of legal practice through court observation and meetings with local attorneys and judges. Experienced attorneys will mentor Associates on how to excel in a public interest law career. Associates also receive direct experience engaging with clients in the communities we serve.

Associates must be rising 2L or rising 3L law students, and are expected to work in person at their assigned office location.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references at www.ablelaw.org/careers. Applicant materials should demonstrate a passion for public service and a commitment to meeting all program requirements. Candidates may submit one writing sample if they wish to do so.

Cover letters should include the candidate's preferred office location, all office locations where they would like to be considered, and their top three legal practice areas of interest with an explanation of why they are interested in each. Also, please describe any volunteer or public interest work you have completed, and/or describe your interest in serving low-income and marginalized families and communities. Cover letters should be less than two pages and must include all requested information.

Geographic Locations:
Practice Areas of Law:

• Dayton
• Defiance
• Toledo
• Agricultural workers' rights and immigration law
• Domestic violence survivors' rights and family law
• Healthcare & public benefits (e.g. SNAP, SSI/SSDI, etc.)
• Education law
• Eviction defense, community and economic development, and Housing Law
• Medical-Legal Partnerships

Requirements:
Compensation:

• Work full-time (35 hours per week) for a minimum of 10 weeks from May 18, 2026, to July 24, 2026.
• Attend a program orientation in Toledo on May 18, 2026. Virtual accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Comply with all ABLE policies and procedures.
• Summer associates will receive a paid salary. Additional information will be provided at the interview stage. If applicants are able to secure additional funding or grants, ABLE will provide necessary documentation. Reimbursement for program-related travel is also available.

ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals.

---