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.
Current Employment Opportunties
Legal Aid Services of Oregon supports the decision of the Oregon Supreme Court to grant diploma privileges to 2020 law school graduates and will not discriminate in hiring against lawyers admitted to the Bar through diploma privileges.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides a supportive, challenging, and humanistic work environment that is conducive to professional growth. We seek staff members who are committed to justice for low-income Oregonians, willing to work as a team, and have good judgment, initiative, and an overall positive attitude. Attorney positions require excellent legal skills and most require an interest in litigation.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Persons of color, LGBTQI individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
No phone calls please.
The Legal Aid Services of Oregon Statewide Tax Clinic is seeking a full-time person to assist with the administration of its Statewide Tax Program. This position is funded for two years with the option to renew. This position will be eligible for partial remote work. The Tax Clinic, while housed in the Portland Regional Office, is a statewide program. Applications from people living around the state are welcome. Primary work location can be determined at the time of hiring.
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 affecting 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.
The Portland Regional Office of LASO serves a poverty population of more than 220,000. The office serves Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Sherman and Wasco counties, a diverse service area requiring the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The Portland Office has adopted a race equity agenda to guide its work with clients as well as its internal operations. The office has a strong commitment to building an inclusive, diverse workplace.
Statewide Tax Clinic
LASO receives a grant from the IRS to assist low-income taxpayers with federal tax problems and associated state tax problems. This takes the form of outreach and education, direct representation, and systemic advocacy. The work of the Statewide Tax Clinic is important to the elimination and alleviation of childhood poverty in the United States. We work to ensure the fairness and integrity of the tax system for low-income, BIPOC, and/or immigrant taxpayers through a mix of direct service work, affirmative litigation, and systemic advocacy work.
Oregon consistently has one of the nation’s lowest Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) participation rates. The EITC is a tax credit designed for families surviving on low wages. In 2018, more than one in four eligible Oregon households did not claim the credit, collectively missing out on $84 million in federal dollars. The EITC is one of the most effective tools for helping working families meet their basic needs and improve their lives. Oregonians less likely to claim the credit are those for whom English is not their primary language and those who live in rural areas, are self-employed, and/or have disabilities. Because of this, the Oregon Department of Human Services has allocated funds to the Tax Clinic to help overcome this disparity, in part, through tax education and assistance to navigate tax systems.
Qualifications
Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations. Demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity, good judgment, initiative, and willingness to work as a team. Understanding and commitment to anti-bias principles, cultural competency and addressing systemic racism and other forms of oppression. Because the focus of the tax clinic is to serve populations for whom English is not their primary language, preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish, or another language commonly spoken by tax clinic clients. Though not required, the ideal candidate will be credentialed as a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or be eligible to obtain such credentials within the first year of employment.
Essential Functions
- Creating systems and developing processes to create a smooth and consistent workflow in the office;
- Assisting with compiling grant reports;
- Answering phones and screening clients for eligibility;
- Case handling duties including factual investigation, preparing documents, contact with the IRS on behalf of taxpayers, etc.
- Other appropriate functions when necessary.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Work in an office environment including working at a workstation, attending meetings, etc.
- Use of computer and other office equipment during a 7-hour workday.
Salary/Benefits
Compensation is based on the currently negotiated union salary scale for a 35-hour work week. Placement on the salary scale is based on relevant experience. The salary range is $41K-65K. Additional compensation of $3600 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
Reviews of resumes to begin on April 17, 2023.
Applications
Send resume and letter of interest to: taxjobs@lasoregon.org
As part of your cover letter, 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 all members of 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.
The Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) Statewide Tax Clinic is seeking a full-time coordinator of tax-related outreach and education around the state. This position is funded for two years with the option to renew. This position will be eligible for partial remote work. The Tax Clinic, while housed in the Portland Regional Office, is a statewide program. Applications from people living around the state are welcome. Primary work location can be determined at the time of hiring.
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 affecting 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.
The Portland Regional Office of LASO serves a poverty population of more than 220,000. The office serves Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Sherman and Wasco counties, a diverse service area requiring the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The Portland Office has adopted a race equity agenda to guide its work with clients as well as its internal operations. The office has a strong commitment to building an inclusive, diverse workplace.
Statewide Tax Clinic
LASO receives a grant from the IRS to assist low-income taxpayers with federal tax problems and associated state tax problems. This takes the form of outreach and education, direct representation, and systemic advocacy. The work of the Statewide Tax Clinic is important to the elimination and alleviation of childhood poverty in the United States. We work to ensure the fairness and integrity of the tax system for low-income, BIPOC, and/or immigrant taxpayers through a mix of direct service work, affirmative litigation, and systemic advocacy work.
Oregon consistently has one of the nation’s lowest Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) participation rates. The EITC is a tax credit designed for families surviving on low wages. In 2018, more than one in four eligible Oregon households did not claim the credit, collectively missing out on $84 million in federal dollars. The EITC is one of the most effective tools for helping working families meet their basic needs and improve their lives. Oregonians less likely to claim the credit are those for whom English is not their primary language and those who live in rural areas, are self-employed, and/or have disabilities. Because of this, the Oregon Department of Human Services has allocated funds to the Tax Clinic to help overcome this disparity, in part, through tax education and assistance to navigate tax systems.
Qualifications
Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations. Demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity, good judgment, initiative, and willingness to work as a team. Understanding and commitment to anti-bias principles, cultural competency and addressing systemic racism and other forms of oppression. Because the primary function of this role is to provide community outreach with a focus on rural populations and populations for whom English is not their primary language, preference will be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish or another language commonly spoken by tax clinic clients. Though not required, the ideal candidate will be credentialed as a CPA, Enrolled Agent, be a member of the Oregon State Bar, or be eligible to obtain such credentials within the first year of employment.
Essential Functions
Community Outreach:
- Identify and develop relationships with key community partners.
- Develop and implement an outreach work plan with goals, steps, and timelines.
- Provide educational presentations to community members and partner organizations.
- Determine what educational materials are needed.
- Coordinate the development of educational materials.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Work in an office environment including working at a workstation, attending meetings, etc.
- This position will involve frequent travel around the state of Oregon and, as such, requires a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire date.
- Use of computer and other office equipment during a 7-hour workday.
Salary/Benefits
Compensation is based on the currently negotiated union salary scale for a 35-hour work week. Placement on the salary scale is based on relevant experience. The salary range is $41K-65K. Additional compensation of $3600 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
Reviews of resumes to begin on April 17, 2023.
Applications
Send resume and letter of interest to: taxjobs@lasoregon.org
As part of your cover letter, 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 all members of 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.
The Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) Statewide Tax Clinic is seeking a full-time person to assist with the administration of its Statewide Tax Program. This position is funded for one year with the option to renew. This position will be eligible for partial remote work. The Tax Clinic, while housed in the Portland Regional Office, is a statewide program. Applications from people living around the state are welcome. Primary work location can be determined at the time of hiring.
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 affecting 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.
The Portland Regional Office of LASO serves a poverty population of more than 220,000. The office serves Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, Sherman and Wasco counties, a diverse service area requiring the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The Portland Office has adopted a race equity agenda to guide its work with clients as well as its internal operations. The office has a strong commitment to building an inclusive, diverse workplace.
Statewide Tax Clinic
LASO receives a grant from the IRS to assist low-income taxpayers with federal tax problems and associated state tax problems. This takes the form of outreach and education, direct representation, and systemic advocacy. The work of the Statewide Tax Clinic is important to the elimination and alleviation of childhood poverty in the United States. We work to ensure the fairness and integrity of the tax system for low-income, BIPOC, and/or immigrant taxpayers through a mix of direct service work, affirmative litigation, and systemic advocacy work.
Summary of Responsibilities
Responsibilities include representing low-income clients throughout the state of Oregon in federal and state tax matters and to conduct initial client meetings (intake) as needed. 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 LASO 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 CPA 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 the currently negotiated union salary scale for a 35-hour work week; placement on the salary scale is based on relevant experience. The salary range for an attorney with 0-5 years experience is $61K to $68.5K; 6-10 years experience is $70K to $76K; and 11 years+ is $77.5K- $100K. There is additional annual compensation of $3600 for bilingual ability. A full benefits package is offered 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
Reviews of resumes to begin on April 17, 2023.
Applications
Send resume and letter of interest to: taxjobs@lasoregon.org
As part of your cover letter, 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 all members of 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.
The Albany Regional Office of Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) is seeking a full-time attorney for the limited duration of one year. The attorney will provide residential eviction defense services to low-income tenants. Responsibilities include tenant rights advice, negotiation with adverse parties, and representation in eviction trials in justice and circuit courts. The attorney in this position may work remotely the majority of the time.
Background
LASO is a non-profit organization that represents low-income clients in civil cases. LASO’s eight regional offices serve low-income individuals throughout the state and two specialized programs focus on services to farmworkers and 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.
Responsibilities
The attorney will handle a housing caseload of clients who have been served residential termination notices or who have active eviction cases filed in justice or circuit court. The attorney will regularly appear in eviction court. Responsibilities include regular review of eviction docket filings and outreach to and collaboration with community-based partners for tenant education. The position will provide representation in Linn and Benton counties.
Qualifications
Current Oregon State Bar membership required. Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations. Demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity, good judgment, initiative, and willingness to work as a team. Understanding and commitment to anti-bias principles, cultural competency and addressing systemic racism and other forms of oppression. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.
Salary/Benefits
Compensation is based on a 35-hour work week. Salary range for attorneys begins at $61K and extends to $100K 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
Open until filled. Reviews of resumes to begin on March 1, 2023.
Applications
Send resume, letter of interest, and response to supplemental question (see below) to:
Alivia Stretch
albanyjobs@lasoregon.org
Supplemental question
Please provide a written response to the following question and submit it as part of your application materials. Limit response to 500 words.
LASO is committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon. Our client communities include people of color, farmworkers, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, seniors, people with lived experiences of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups. It is essential to our mission that we also work to create an inclusive and respectful workplace environment in which differences are acknowledged and valued. How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to: (1) serve our diverse client communities effectively, (2) work effectively with colleagues from backgrounds different than your own, (3) acknowledge the systemic barriers that our clients face, and (4) contribute to our efforts to achieve racial justice? Feel free to provide examples and apply various aspects of your life and personal experiences in your response.
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) seeks clerks and/or externs for Summer 2023.
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 provide services to farmworkers and representation on Native American issues. 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.
Positions
LASO is seeking law clerks for summer 2023. General clerkship positions are available in our regional offices in Albany, Portland, and Roseburg. LASO also offers the following additional clerkship opportunities: Farmworker Program clerkships are available in Woodburn and Hillsboro. Statewide Tax Clinic clerkships are available in Portland. For the full Farmworker Program and Statewide Tax Clinic clerkship descriptions, please visit LASO’s employment page: https://lasoregon.org/employment/.
The typical work schedule is based on a 35-hour work week, Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00 with a one-hour lunch break. Work location can be in-office or could be partially remote. Extended remote and flexible work schedules may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Type of Legal Work
Clerkships in the regional offices (including Albany, Portland, and Roseburg) will have an emphasis on domestic violence, family law, housing, and/or public benefits, all within a framework of providing trauma-informed care. Law clerks will work on many aspects of client services including trauma-informed intake, outreach, legal research and writing, conducting client interviews, and representing clients in hearings.
Qualifications
Class standing of 1L or above at time of application. Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for low-income communities and other vulnerable populations. Demonstrated understanding and commitment to anti-bias principles, cultural knowledge, cultural humility, and addressing systemic racism and other forms of oppression. LASO has a hiring preference for bilingual candidates who speak English and Spanish or another language.
Funding
2023 funding details have not yet been finalized. Law clerks will be paid at least $600/week. LASO will also coordinate with fellowship programs. Check back for updated funding details.
Closing Date
Positions open until filled. Review of resumes to begin on January 17, 2023.
To Apply
Applicants are encouraged to apply through the Northwest Public Service Career: https://law.lclark.edu/nwconsortium/nw-public-service-career-fair/. Materials are due there by January 16, 2023 at noon. LASO will be conducting virtual interviews at the Seattle Fair on February 3, 2023, and at the Portland Fair on February 4, 2023.
Please include your response to the supplemental question (below) in your materials and also clearly identify which position(s) and office(s) you are applying for: General- Albany, Portland, Roseburg; Farmworker- Woodburn, Hillsboro; and/or Statewide Tax Clinic – Portland. Please note if you are bilingual in Spanish and/or another language and describe your level of competency. Please also note if you are interested in a post-graduate fellowship.
Alternatively, please send your resume, letter of interest, and supplemental question response to: Erin White, Grants and Project Coordinator, at jobs@lasoregon.org.
For an up-to-date list of positions, please visit LASO’s employment page: https://lasoregon.org/employment/.
Supplemental question
Please provide a written response to the following question and submit it as part of your application materials. Limit response to 500 words.
LASO is committed to achieving justice for the low-income communities of Oregon. Our client communities include people of color, farmworkers, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, seniors, people with lived experiences of homelessness, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from other underrepresented groups. It is essential to our mission that we also work to create an inclusive and respectful workplace environment in which differences are acknowledged and valued. How do you think your personal background or experiences, professional or otherwise, have prepared you to: (1) serve our diverse client communities effectively, (2) work effectively with colleagues from backgrounds different than your own, (3) acknowledge the systemic barriers that our clients face, and (4) contribute to our efforts to achieve racial justice? Feel free to provide examples and apply various aspects of your life and personal experiences in your response.
If you require reasonable accommodation for a disability during the application/hiring process, please contact Meghan Collins, Director of Administration, at Meghan.Collins@lasoregon.org.
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.
