Description:

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (Legal Aid) is a non-profit law firm focused on a broad range of civil issues including consumer rights, disability, domestic violence, education, employment, family law, foreclosure, health, housing, immigration, public benefits, and tax. We are looking for law students who have a passion for public-interest work and want to focus on Legal Aid's four northeast Ohio counties. The summer associate program is 11 weeks and is 100% in-person (no hybrid option).

Summer associates will be assigned to work in one practice area and will have the opportunity to learn and experience the duties of a poverty law attorney. Generally, summer associates will interview clients, draft court pleadings, research relevant legal issues, attend and assist with
administrative hearings or court proceedings and gather and analyze evidence. They will observe oral arguments in a variety of courts. Legal Aid also has a focus on community education, outreach, and advocacy. In addition to their work in a specific practice area, summer associates may be assigned legal work for a project.

Student Qualifications: Legal Aid summer associate applicants should have completed their first or second year of law school prior to the summer of 2026. Special consideration is given to students with a demonstrated commitment to serving disadvantaged people and communities. If your resume does not reflect a commitment to public service due to personal financial constraints, please provide an explanation in your cover letter. Law students who speak Spanish and other languages are strongly encouraged to apply.
Funding: Summer associates will earn $20 per hour based on 37.5 hours per week.

Course Credit/Externship Credit: Legal Aid often supervises students seeking externship credit. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are working with a law school to receive course credit for this position.

Application Procedure: Qualifying students are required to submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three (3) professional/academic references. Application materials must be submitted by Sunday, February 15, 2026. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.

Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify/expression, or mental or physical disability.

Important Dates:

November 18, 2025: Position Opens on Cleveland Legal Aid Website
Sunday, February 15, 2026: Application Deadline
February 23, 2026 - March 6, 2026: Phone Interviews*
March 11-20, 2026: Zoom Interviews
March 30, 2026 - April 3, 2026: Offers Extended**
April 2026: Summer Associates Announced
Monday, May 18, 2026: Tentative Orientation/Start of 2026 Summer Associate Program

Interviews will be conducted via Zoom videoconference.

If offered the position, you must accept/decline within 48 hours.

About Us: Legal Aid's mission is to secure justice, equity, and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes through passionate legal representation and advocacy for systemic change. Founded in 1905, Legal Aid is the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States. Legal Aid's staff of 135, which includes 75 attorneys, and over 500 volunteer attorneys ensure access to justice for low-income people. For more information, please visit www.lasclev.org.

Why northeast Ohio? Northeast Ohio has a rich history of diverse cultures. It is home to the nationally renowned Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers, an award-winning Metroparks system, vineyards, Lake Erie, and many other arts, recreation, and cultural attractions. Northeast Ohio also has a low cost of living.
For more information on northeast Ohio, visit the Team NEO website and www.downtowncleveland.com. For information on housing please go to www.csuohio.edu/reslife.

Cleveland