Law Student Externship

Position Overview

Impact Statement

Equality Ohio Education Fund is seeking individuals who wish to apply for a legal internship position as part of Equality Ohio’s Legal Clinic, which serves lower-income LGBTQ+ identified people across Ohio.

Position Details

SUPERVISOR | Kate Mozynski Esq. Director of Legal Advocacy

COMPENSATION | Academic credit per law school guidelines 

CLASSIFICATION | 15-30 hours per week pending on academic requirements

LOCATION | This position is a hybrid work environment. While most of our team works remotely, Equality Ohio maintains offices in Cleveland and Columbus and presence in the office, in community locations, or at Court may be required from time to time. Events may require additional travel. 

Duties

Intake and outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals needing legal representation;

Assisting with legal representation for LGBTQ+ individuals with civil legal needs, including drafting pleadings, attending client meetings, and attending court; 

Outreach to LGBTQ  & allied attorneys, legal-service organizations, and LGBTQ-serving organizations;

Assisting in representing Equality Ohio community events, such as Pop-Up Legal Clinics, Pride festivals, and Know Your Rights presentations;

Assisting with the implementation of a Community Legal Needs Assessment;

Conducing legal research and preparing memoranda of law;

Drafting and updating LGBTQ+ Know Your Rights pamphlets and brochures; and

Shared Organization Responsibilities

Upholding and advancing Equality Ohio’s vision, mission, and values. 

Adapting to and utilizing internal communications and document retention protocols and platforms 

Providing content and expertise to inform grant proposals and reports and funder communications as needed

Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications, Skills, Profile, & Work Environment

QUALIFICATIONS 

Candidates are required to be/have:

First-year through fourth-year law student or LLM candidate. 

Familiarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Strong commitment and passion for public interest and social justice work.

Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills.

Ability to work with diverse groups in an intersectional manner and across all levels of organizations with a commitment to teamwork.

Effective public speaking and presentation skills.

Demonstrated reliability, creativity, versatility and initiative.

Proficiency with Office (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Drive and LexisNexis/Westlaw or other legal research software. 

Unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ Ohioans

Awareness of the issue priorities, policy battles, and experiences of LGBTQ+ Ohioans

Advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.

Demonstrated passion for public interest and social justice work with a particular passion for the mission of Equality Ohio

Knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues, advocacy work and the Ohio nonprofit landscape strongly preferred.

Familiarity with Race Equity and its relationship to the LGBTQ+ community and experience utilizing a Race Equity approach in organizing

Proven ability to develop strategy, set goals, and deliver results in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Strong interpersonal skills; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Be willing to travel and have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with insurance

We prefer but do not require the following qualifications and skills:

Direct experience working at an LGBTQ+ or trans-focused movement organization

An understanding that the process of changing hearts and minds is not overnight or immediate, which is a core element of our theory of change

Work Environment

Schedule

Equality Ohio’s regular business hours are 9:00am–5:00pm ET, Monday through Friday. Due to the nature of the work, students may have the opportunity to participate in evening or weekend events at their discretion and the discretion of their supervisor. 

Travel

Candidates should be able to travel independently within their region, as needed at the discretion of the student and the discretion of their supervisor.

Physical Demands

Legal Externs may be required to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or participating in virtual meetings. The position may occasionally require lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds, such as documents, a laptop, or event supplies. The role may also involve attending and actively participating in hearings, meetings, and events, which may require being active for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations will be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions of this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Inclusion

Equality Ohio is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We understand that women, non-binary individuals, and people of color may be less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification listed. We strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply, including those from nontraditional backgrounds, as we seek the best fit for the role.

We particularly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with gender-expansive identities. Equality Ohio is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, class, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, ancestry, military status, genetic information, marital status, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, criminal record (when not in conflict with organizational values or legal requirements), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.