A company has just offered me a position...they low-balled me and the compensation they're offering me is about $2,000 less than what I am requesting. (I am being very reasonable...l have a thorough professional background and l am even offering to work for less than l usually request). Is there a way to counter their offer and try to up-sell myself? l wo not be able to make my bills if l accept their offer!
(PS It is a small law firm and they offer no health/retirement benefits)
I've been out of work for over 6 months...the Cleveland market is really bad right now. I am willing to accept any full-time offer right now, but I'd like to try and push for more...l guess I am really asking what is the most appropriate way to negotiate a low-ball offer......

Simply pass on this job and find a job elsewhere that is willing to pay you what you're worth.

if you think you are worth more dont accept the job they pay peanuts they get monkeys ask them for more money but if they agree you had better be as good as you say

Two things to keep in mind (which may boost ur confidence here).
1. They may want to see u negotiate. If it is a position which includes any negotiation with the outside world, chances r they want to see what u can do here -- they may be thrilled if u push back.
2. It is also possible that they have already decided to hire you, & r just seeing if they can get a better deal now.
There r a variety of ways u can negotiate. One is focus on the lack of benefits. Another is to provide market data that shows what u r worth (salary.com, which is not perfect, but it is a start). A third is to reinforce what u bring to the table vs. someone else at their lowball offer.

Any ''small law firm that does not offer health/retirement benefits'' is not worthy of your employment. It sounds like a fly-by-night law firm that really does not consider being in business in the long term. I'd advise you to look for another job at your well deserved rate of pay.

Good luck!