Staff Attorney

Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) is seeking a full-time Staff Attorney for its Roseburg office. 

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 committed to advocacy strategies that will have a demonstrable effect on community problems. 

Responsibilities 
We provide trauma informed civil legal services in a wide variety of cases based on the needs of the community and the capacity of the office. Currently, LASO staff is in the forefront of enforcing, and educating the public about, significant changes to Oregon’s landlord-tenant law. Our lawyers carry a mixed caseload with both service and impact cases, meaning that some of every lawyer’s caseload is expected to contain cases that are intended to support improvements in policy, practice, or law. The attorney will have a varied poverty related caseload depending on experience. It may include public benefits, housing, civil rights (broadly defined), protection from abuse, and other areas of law as appropriate. Everyone in the office is expected to directly assist clients understanding and asserting their rights in various types of legal matters. Currently, the majority of the Douglas County caseload is focused on housing related matters but that varies depending on demand, priorities, and capacity of the office. All staff members are expected to help with outreach to various marginalized communities in Douglas County. In addition to a caseload, staff attorneys are encouraged to participate in periodic priority setting, community education and OSB related committees as well. 

Qualifications 
The successful candidate will have excellent legal and communications skills; demonstrated commitment to justice for rural low income persons and marginalized communities; and either be a member of the Oregon bar, have taken the bar exam, or be eligible for reciprocal admission. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply. 

Douglas County 
Our friendly and cohesive office serves clients throughout one of Oregon’s few crest to coast counties. Douglas County has an aging population with three federally identified poverty hot spots and one federally recognized tribal government. Our potential clients are geographically scattered. Many are homeless, persons with disabilities, English language learners, and/or survivors of trauma. They have diverse and interesting legal needs and issues. The office priorities are adjusted periodically, but currently focus on protection from all forms of abuse, housing stability, public benefits, and civil rights. We work closely with various local agencies and organizations.
In addition to offering interesting and varied clients and cases, Douglas County offers a plethora of activities, especially for people who like the outdoors. The Umpqua River provides rafting, fishing, waterfalls and hot springs. The mild climate support gardening opportunities and a thriving local wine industry. We are just over an hour to the Coast and closer than that to the Cascades. We have numerous opportunities for hiking, camping, biking, etc. In the summer, there are various festivals and free concerts in Roseburg and other nearby communities. 

Salary/Benefits 
Salary depends on experience. Excellent full benefits package including good health, dental, and optical insurance, life insurance, employer contributions to LASO’s 401(k) plan, and up to $2,000 in relocation costs. 

Closing Date 
Open until filled. Review of resumes to begin April 17th, 2020 

Legal Aid Services of Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply.