Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for its Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). The LITC is a statewide program that provides legal representation to low-income clients on federal and related state tax matters and conducts education and outreach to Limited English Speaking communities. This position will be eligible for a partial remote work option.
Background
LASO is a non-profit organization that represents low-income clients in civil cases. LASO’s eight regional offices serve the general low-income population throughout the state and two specialized statewide programs focused on services to farmworkers and on issues impacting Native Americans. LASO is an effective, high-quality legal services program that is committed to advocacy strategies having the broadest possible impact on client community problems. LASO is actively working to build an inclusive organizational culture that centers on racial equity. LASO is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a welcoming and culturally responsive environment for our staff and clients.
LASO’s Tax Program serves all counties in Oregon, a diverse service area requiring the ability to work effectively with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.
Responsibilities
The attorney will work from the Portland Regional Office with occasional work in our Gresham office as needed. Responsibilities include conducting initial client meetings (intake) and representing low-income clients throughout the state of Oregon in federal and state tax matters. This includes providing advice to low-income taxpayers, advocacy with the IRS, and representation in tax court. The attorney will be supported by the LITC Supervising Attorney and will work closely with student law clerks and other PRO staff attorneys. This attorney is also expected to work closely with community-based organizations including those that serve Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrant and other underserved communities to provide outreach and education to the community members of those organizations.
Qualifications
Demonstrated understanding and commitment to anti-bias principles, cultural competency and addressing systemic racism and other forms of oppression. Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations. Enthusiasm, creativity, good judgment, initiative, and willingness to work collaboratively. LASO has a hiring preference for candidates who are bilingual in Spanish and/or another language and are members of the Oregon State Bar. *This position can also be filled by an Enrolled Agent or Certified Public Accountant who is currently authorized to practice before the IRS or who is willing and able to be authorized to practice before the IRS.
Salary/ Benefits
Compensation is based on a 35-hour work week. Salary range for an attorney is $61K - $100K annually depending on experience. Additional compensation for bilingual ability. Full benefits package including individual and family health, vision and dental insurance coverage; 6% employer retirement contribution; generous paid holidays, vacation and sick leave; and paid moving expenses.
Closing Date
Review of resumes to begin July 3, 2022.
Applications
Send resume and letter of interest to:
taxjobs@lasoregon.org
As a part of your letter of interest, please address the following: LASO PRO is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace centered on equity and providing an inclusive, welcoming, and culturally responsive environment for our staff and clients. Please address how your personal background and experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to contribute to our commitment to cultural responsiveness and diversity.
We celebrate diversity.
LASO is committed to being an organization that reflects the communities we serve and is diverse in race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, or sensory, mental and physical abilities, work background, experience and education. We believe that the outcome of such diversity is our greatest strength and a matter of basic human fairness. It is to this end that we strongly encourage applications from people of color and people from any other underrepresented and historically marginalized group to apply for this position.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) is an effective, high-quality legal services program with a mission to achieve justice for the low-income communities of Oregon. LASO emphasizes areas of law where these needs are greatest and where representation and advocacy can have the most impact for vulnerable Oregonians.