Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) seeks a bilingual (Spanish/English) full-time staff attorney in its Farmworker Program. The position will provide services to agricultural workers in Eastern Oregon. There is flexibility as to where this position will be based in Eastern Oregon.
Background
LASO is a non-profit organization that gives free legal assistance to low-income clients in civil (non-criminal) 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.
The Farmworker Program consists of a director, four attorneys (including a supervising attorney), two paralegals/outreach workers and an office manager located in three different offices. The majority of our clients speak Spanish or one of the indigenous languages native to the southern states of Mexico, such as Mixteco, Triqui or Zapoteco. They experience a wide variety of legal problems, including unpaid wages, poor working conditions, unsafe housing, sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination and retaliation for the exercise of their legal rights.
Responsibilities
The staff attorney will represent agricultural workers in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies. The caseload, involving a combination of impact litigation and service cases, consists primarily of employment, housing, health and safety, civil rights, unemployment and tax cases. The staff attorney will also be involved in community education and outreach to migrant labor camps and community-based groups.
Salary/Benefits
Salary based on experience. Additional compensation for bilingual ability. Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) plan.
We seek applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to justice for low-income communities; excellent legal and interpersonal communication skills; a high degree of initiative and willingness to work collaboratively; ability to speak, read and write Spanish; membership in the Oregon bar, eligibility for reciprocity or a willingness to take the next bar exam; and willingness to flex work schedule to work evenings and weekends as needed; a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle to travel.
Send resume and cover letter to:
Laurie Hoefer, Program Director
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
397 N. First St.
Woodburn, OR 97071
[email protected]