Summer Legal Intern

Equality Ohio Education Fund (EOEF) is seeking law students for a 13-week Summer Legal Internship with Equality Ohio’s Legal Clinic. Interns will work closely with Staff Attorneys and the Managing Legal Director to support legal services and outreach for LGBTQ+ Ohioans.

Interns will gain hands-on experience in
public interest law, civil rights advocacy and community legal services, while supporting Equality Ohio’s mission to advance fairness and equality for LGBTQ+ people across the state.

Schedule Expectations

This internship runs for 13 weeks during the summer. Interns may work up to 40 hours per week.

• The first week of July will be off.
• Because June is Pride Month, weekends may be busy. Interns are asked to attend at least two Pride events with Equality Ohio during June.
• Please indicate in your cover letter if there are other dates during the summer when you already know you will be unavailable.

Location & Work Environment

Internships are available in the following offices:

• Cleveland
• Columbus
  

Please indicate your preferred location in your cover letter.

While some remote work may be necessary at times, interns are generally expected to work in the office or in the community alongside a Staff Attorney.

About Equality Ohio

Equality Ohio Education Fund and Equality Ohio were founded in 2005 by a coalition of 65 dedicated LGBTQ+ activists and allies following the passage of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions in Ohio. Since then, the organizations have worked to
advance legal protections, change hearts and minds and build power within LGBTQ+ communities across Ohio.

Organizational Structure

Equality Ohio Education Fund (EOEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by the Equality Ohio Education Fund Board. Equality Ohio is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization governed by the Equality Ohio Board. Together, these organizations are guided by 24 community leaders from across Ohio who provide strategic leadership and oversight.

Internship Responsibilities

Legal interns will assist Staff the Director of Legal Advocacy, staff attorney's and/or the Executive Director with:

• Conducting intake and outreach for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking legal assistance
• Supporting civil legal representation for LGBTQ+ clients
• Assisting with resource navigation and referrals for clients with non-legal needs
• Conducting outreach to LGBTQ+ attorneys, legal service organizations and community partners
• Drafting Know Your Rights materials, pamphlets and educational resources
• Supporting community legal education and Pride outreach events
• Assisting with legal research, writing and administrative support
• Completing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Applicants should be:

• Second- through fourth-year law students
• Familiar with or connected to LGBTQ+ communities
• Passionate about public interest law and social justice
• Strong in oral, written and listening communication skills
• Able to work effectively with diverse communities through an intersectional lens
• Comfortable with public speaking, outreach, and presentations
• Reliable, adaptable and able to take initiative

Technical Skills

Preferred experience with:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Google Workspace / Google Drive
• Legal research tools such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, or similar platforms

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed and filled on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Please include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Preferred office location (Cleveland or Columbus)
• Any known scheduling conflicts during the summer

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equality Ohio Education Fund is committed to building an inclusive and equitable organization. People of color, LGBTQ+ people, and individuals with gender-expansive identities are strongly encouraged to apply.