Summer Clerkships - Statewide Tax Program

Summer Clerkships - Statewide Tax Program

Join to apply for the Summer Clerkships - Statewide Tax Program role at Legal Aid Services Of Oregon.

The Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) Statewide Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (Tax Program) seeks clerks and/or externs for summer 2026. These clerkships are based in Portland but are open to applicants across the state.

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 three specialized statewide programs provide services to low‑income taxpayers, 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.

The typical work schedule is 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 partially remote. Extended remote and flexible work schedules may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

The Tax Program seeks to alleviate poverty through the use of the tax code; working to assist taxpayers with Limited English proficiency and other taxpayers who face disproportionate outcomes despite the “neutral” administration of the tax code. The program assists Oregonians across the state to resolve disputes with the IRS and related Department of Revenue matters, including settling tax debt through the Offer in Compromise process;

installment agreements or hardship requests; representation in tax audits and in U.S. Tax Court; help with worker classification issues; and assistance in applying for innocent or injured spouse relief.

Class standing of 1L or above at time of application. Previous experience in tax or familiarity of the tax code is not necessary. 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. LASO’s Tax Program has a hiring preference for candidates located in communities that struggle with geographic, technological, or other access‑related barriers.

The LASO Tax Program will pay law clerks a salary of $7,000 for 10 weeks of work, 35 hours per week, with an additional $50 per week for bilingual ability in language(s) that serve our client communities. Clerks working less than full time will be paid a pro‑rate equivalent. Clerks will be paid semimonthly.

Positions open until filled. Review of resumes for Summer 2026 to begin the last week of January 2026. However, the Tax Program accepts resumes and makes law student placements throughout the year and post‑graduation for those students who have interned at least one term at either the Lewis & Clark Law School or Oregon Law Center LITCs or in another office ase, indicate if you are interested in a placement during the school year.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter. Please also provide a response to the supplemental question below and indicate if you have proficiency in Spanish and/or another language and describe your level of proficiency. These additional responses can be included in your cover letter or as separate documents. Please be advised that we use a scoring rubric when evaluating resumes.

Not including these additional responses will result in a lower overall score and will likely prevent us from being able to offer you an interview.

Please submit your application materials and/or any questions you…