Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) – Albany Office

Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY•City of Albany, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY) is seeking an experienced Staff Attorney to lead and provide representation through our Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).Our LITC serves low-income taxpayers across 16 counties in northeastern New York, providing critical representation in federal and related state income tax matters. Since opening in 2013, the LITC has secured tens of thousands of dollars in refunds for clients and eliminated more than half a million dollars in unjust tax debt in the last two years alone. This position is based out of our Albany Office. For more information about our work, our staff, and our clients, visit www.lasnny.org We are seeking an attorney who wants to use their tax knowledge to make a meaningful impact. Our LITC clients include survivors of domestic violence being held liable for an abuser's tax debt, people with disabilities, individuals facing tax liabilities after debt settlements, victims of identity theft, other low-income taxpayers facing aggressive tax collection actions that exacerbate existing hardships. The Staff Attorney is expected to be actively involved in the national and regional LITC network and to contribute to both individual representation and systemic advocacy efforts.We seek an attorney who will be dedicated to our mission and will seek justice and fairness for seniors in our community. We are skilled, creative and compassionate advocates combining a passion to serve with the skills and will to address both individual and systemic injustice. We are a unionized program with excellent benefits, offering generous time off, excellent health insurance coverage with premiums primarily paid by LASNNY, health and long-term disability insurance, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, qualifying moving expenses, and flexible hybrid-remote and alternative work schedules.

Requirements

Must be licensed to practice law in NYS or be eligible for admission. Law Graduates will be considered if they have taken the bar exam.
Must be able to communicate effectively with clients and staff, work independently and efficiently, and be able to problem solve and work collaboratively with community partner agency staff.
Must be willing to travel throughout our service area; reliable transportation is a must.
Strong computer, administrative, reporting, and data entry skills required.
Three to six years of prior legal experience (or equivalent) preferred
Prior federal tax or LITC experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated commitment to and sensitivity toward low-income communities
Strong communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent problem-solving, organizational, administrative, reporting, and data entry skills
Willingness to travel throughout the service area; must have reliable transportation, a valid NY driver's license, and a clean driving record

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate in Spanish or Chinese, preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide legal representation to clients in federal income tax matters, including representation before the United States Tax Court
Serve as a lead advocate with sufficient tax law expertise to oversee technical, substantive, and procedural tax matters
Review educational and outreach materials for technical accuracy prior to distribution
Advise clients and collaborate with the Clinic Director, LITC staff attorney, volunteers, and community partners
Conduct community outreach and education throughout the 16-county service area
Supervise law clerks and support staff; work with LASNNY's Private Attorney Involvement Program and pro bono volunteers
Maintain accurate client files and collect, track, and enter data for required reporting