What are the responsibilities and job description for the 2026-2028 Fellowship Applications position at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.?
2025-2027 Fellowship Applications
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (“ABLE”) is eager to host 3L or recent law graduate candidates for two-year fellowships beginning September 2026. Candidates for fellowships are encouraged to develop and bring forward proposals for work in an area of poverty law in one of the following areas (development of a full proposal will be in collaboration with ABLE attorneys):
- Projects Serving Rural Ohioans
- Access to Meaningful and Appropriate Education
- Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights
- Healthcare and Public Benefits
- Housing and Community Economic Development
- Meaningful Access to Justice
- Medical-Legal Partnership
- Reentering Citizens
Project proposals should focus on legal advocacy on behalf of disenfranchised individuals, groups, or issues not adequately represented in our legal system – projects serving rural Ohioans are of particular interest. Applications should describe how the project aims to meet the unmet needs of underserved populations or remove barriers to opportunity.
ABLE encourages applicants to apply as early as possible – fellowship programs are competitive, and we want ample time to work with successful applicants to develop a compelling project to submit to the funder. If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able/.
Applicants should submit a cover letter describing their area of interest and project idea, resume, writing sample, most recent (unofficial or official) transcript, and three references as soon as possible and no later than June 1, 2025. More fully developed proposals may also be included.
Applications will be reviewed as received. ABLE will work closely with successful applicants to develop their project and navigate the fellowship process. If selected, candidates should be prepared to move quickly to develop their project proposal for submission to the outside fellowship sponsor on or before September 2, 2025. Final selection of fellows is contingent on the sponsor’s selection of a candidate’s proposal.
Successful candidates will have a demonstrated interest in public interest law, strong academic records, excellent organization and communication skills, and the demonstrated ability to handle a demanding workload. Candidates for the 2026-2028 fellowship must be eligible to take the Ohio Bar Exam in July of 2026. Applicants who can be admitted to practice law in Ohio prior to July 2026 or can submit a UBE transfer application to the Supreme Court of Ohio by January 15, 2026, may also be considered. ABLE offers a comprehensive benefits package.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in our workplace, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and we encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at ablejobs@freelawyers.org.
