Summer Associate Program

Position: 2026 Summer Associate Program
Position Available:

2025 Summer Associate Program

Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) is pleased to offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for Summer Associate positions for 2026. These positions provide valuable practical experience and compensation to current 1L and 2L law students seeking careers in public interest law in a fast-paced, hybrid environment. Come work with experienced, passionate people who are known for excellent and compassionate advocacy.

LAWO is a non-profit law firm serving northwest and west central Ohio that offers high-quality legal services in civil matters to individuals and households living in poverty. LAWO also serves agricultural workers throughout Ohio. LAWO attorneys provide legal assistance in a wide range of civil areas and seek to address the root causes of poverty. LAWO represents survivors of domestic violence, tenants and homeowners, those seeking public benefits and healthcare, older adults, and Veterans, among others.

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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. All applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references olaw.org/careers-with-lawo/. Applicant materials should demonstrate a passion for public service and a commitment to meeting all program requirements.

The cover letter must include whether you are seeking hybrid or in-person work; your preferred office location; and your top two interests for practice areas and why. Describe any volunteer or public interest work you have completed and/or your interest in serving low- income families and communities. The cover letter should be less than two pages and must include all requested information.

Candidates may submit one writing sample.

Geographic Location (choose
1):

Practice Areas of Law (choose
2):

• Dayton

• Pro bono services

• Defiance

• Consumer protections and bankruptcy

• Lima

• Domestic violence survivors' rights and family law

• Toledo

• Eviction defense, foreclosures, and housing law

• Findlay

• Older adult rights and estate planning

• Sandusky

• Springfield

Requirements:

Compensation:

• Work full-time (35 hours per week) for a minimum of 10 weeks from May 18, 2026, to July 24, 2026.

Summer associates will receive a paid salary. Additional information will be provided at the interview stage. If applicants can secure additional funding or grants, LAWO will provide necessary documentation. Reimbursement for program-related travel is also available.

• Attend a program orientation in Toledo on May 18, 2026. Virtual accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Comply with all LAWO policies and procedures

LAWO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Equal access to our offices is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation for the interview or application process should contact the Recruitment Coordinator at hrteam.