Temporary Staff Attorney, Tax Assistance with Oregon Legal Aid
Job Description
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.
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.
How to Apply
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.175 total views, 0 today