Summer Clerkships - Farmworker Program

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 farm workers 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.

LASO is seeking law clerks for summer 2026. Farm worker Program clerkships are available in Salem and Hillsboro. LASO also offers clerkship opportunities in other programs and offices. For an up‑to‑date list of positions, please visit LASO’s employment page: .

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.

LASO’s Farm worker Program represents agricultural workers in cases that involve employment, housing, unemployment, and civil rights issues. Law clerks will work on many aspects of client services including outreach to labor camps and community organizations, legal research and writing, conducting client interviews, and drafting administrative complaints and pleadings.

Class standing of 1L or above at time of application. 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. Demonstrated understanding and commitment to anti‑bias principles, cultural competency 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.

For Farm worker Program positions, Spanish language proficiency is highly preferred.

The LASO Farm worker Program has secured funding for two fellowship positions through the Equal Justice Works Rural Summer Legal Corps. Fellows will receive $7,000 for 300 hours that can be completed between May‑August 2025. Fellows also receive the opportunity to attend a two‑day kick‑off training in May in Washington D.C. before beginning their fellowships. More information about this program can be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Migrant and Seasonal Worker Anti‑Retaliation Project

Fellows will help migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and workers living in labor camps in rural counties of Oregon access their legal rights and protections against retaliation. Agricultural workers face dangerous and unhealthy workplaces and housing, wage theft, and discrimination. While there are many legal protections in place to help combat these issues, migrant and seasonal workers often face the additional barrier of retaliation for exercising these rights.

In recent years there have been several strengthened statutory anti‑retaliation protections under Oregon law and under the federal H‑2A Program, but many workers will lack access to these protections without additional support needed to meaningfully educate them about these new and existing rights and to help them exercise their rights. Fellows will help us gather information about workers’ experiences to create accessible educational materials about their rights, conduct intakes of impacted workers, assist in direct legal representation to help workers protect their rights, respond to retaliation, and educate migrant workers in rural areas on best practices to protect their workplace rights.

Positions open until filled. Review of resumes to begin January 5, 2026, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.…