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Staff Attorney - Low Income Tax Clinic

Description: 
DESCRIPTION

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. (PSLS) is a non-profit legal services organization with 40 years of experience providing quality legal services to low-income persons, currently with twelve field offices in 36 counties in northern and central Illinois. Our expertise extends to tax, family law, public benefits, consumer law, health, and education. In housing matters, we specialize in fair housing/housing discrimination, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant disputes, and federally subsidized housing rights. We have maintained multi-year special projects, with diverse funding to provide legal advocacy services to persons with HIV/AIDS; disabled children and adults; the elderly; the homeless; victims of domestic violence and many others. Annually, Prairie State handles over 18,000 applications for legal help and serves over 12,000 clients. 

We pride ourselves on fostering a work environment that is motivating, collaborative and fun, with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. PSLS believes in providing the highest quality of legal representation to its clients.

LOCATION: The Staff Attorney will work out of our Wheaton, Illinois office, but we would consider any of our other offices that best meet the needs of the firm and the candidate. See all 12 locations at www.pslegal.org. The Clinic serves all 36 counties in our service area. The Staff Attorney will have the advantage of being part of a 79-lawyer firm committed to addressing legal issues that have an impact on clients’ basic needs. 

JOB SUMMARY: PSLS invites applications for a Staff Attorney in our Low Income Tax Clinic (LITC). The LITC represents low-income taxpayers in disputes with the IRS regarding federal income tax liability. The Clinic consists of a Director and a staff attorney who evaluate cases and represent clients in a wide range of controversies. The Staff Attorney is responsible for individual client representation in a variety of forums including the U.S. Tax Court, community outreach and education, strategic advocacy, and working in other areas within PSLS to educate and assist with respect to tax matters. The LITC receives its funding in part by a grant from the Internal Revenue Service (since 2011).

RESPONSIBILITIES: Among other duties as assigned, the Staff Attorney will:  

  • Interview applicants for legal services and assess their tax issues. We frequently represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, requests for innocent spouse relief, collection matters, denials of available deductions and credits (including the Earned Income Tax Credit); and tax problems stemming from identity theft, worker misclassification, and deceptive tax schemes. Although our LITC is not a tax preparation service, preparation of prior years’ tax returns is often necessary to resolve a taxpayer’s controversy.
  • Provide legal services for clients through legal research, counsel and advice, litigation (primarily in the U.S. Tax Court), advocacy before the IRS or other administrative agencies, and systemic advocacy on issues having an impact on low-income and ESL taxpayers.  
  • Supervise interns and volunteers. 
  • Perform outreach educate community members about tax issues in collaboration with volunteers and social service agencies, and train legal services attorneys on the intersection of tax law with other areas in which they practice.
  • Develop and maintain networking relationships with local bar associations and with local, state and federal governments and community agencies that serve our client population.
  • Track data required by funders, keep accurate records on service delivery and assist with funding proposals and grant reports to the IRS and other sources. 
  • Exhibit a high level of personal energy, organization and commitment to the position and the PSLS mission.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Full-time position, 37.5 hours per week, minimum. Competitive salary with other legal non-profits, DOE; excellent benefits.

LOCATION: Wheaton, IL or any other PSLS location

 

Requirements: 

QUALIFICATIONS:

J.D. degree after graduation from an ABA-accredited law school and admitted to practice law in Illinois, or admitted in another state and eligible for reciprocity in Illinois. Admission or eligibility for admission to U.S. Tax Court. A demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice and serving disadvantaged populations.

Candidates must have a working knowledge of federal income tax law. Preferably, candidates will have experience in tax preparation and in resolving tax controversies such as cases involving entitlements to credits and deductions, and pursuing collection remedies such as offers in compromise, installment agreements, and innocent spouse relief.  

This position requires a candidate who is a mature self-starter, detail oriented with strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills. He/she should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, have demonstrated organizational and case management skills. Local travel is required, with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

To Apply: 

TO APPLY: Send a letter explaining your interest and experience and your resume, as well as a list of three professional references, and a writing sample (no more than 10 pages) to:

Prairie State Legal Services

303 N. Main St., Ste. 600

Rockford, IL 61101

cpeterson@pslegal.org

Information

Submission Deadline: 
August 20, 2017
Organization Information: 
Prairie State Legal Services, Inc.
400 Roosevelt Rd, 1st Floor
Wheaton, IL 60187
United States
Phone: 6305803309