Staff Attorney - LITC

Indiana Legal Services; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 57,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Rx coverage

401(k) plan

Flex benefits

Job summary

Indiana Legal Services, Inc. is seeking a LITC staff attorney to provide legal assistance and representation to taxpayers in IRS and IDOR matters.

The role involves outreach, tax education, and building community partnerships while mentoring student interns under the LITC Project Director's supervision. The position may be located in either Indianapolis or Bloomington, with a broad range of responsibilities including client intake, case management, and participation in grant reporting and annual

Qualifications

• Indiana licensure to practice law is required (Indiana Bar).
• JD from ABA-accredited law school required.
• 3+ years of attorney experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal representation to taxpayers in IRS/IDOR disputes and in U.S. Tax Court.
• Conduct outreach and tax education to low-income taxpayers and limited-English speakers.
• Mentor student interns and supervise their work on cases.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Indiana Bar Admission

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Indiana Legal Services, Inc.

Job Announcement

LITC Project Staff Attorney

Indianapolis/Bloomington

AGENCY DESCRIPTION:

Indiana Legal Services, Inc. (ILS) is a statewide, not-for-profit law firm that provides free legal services to eligible clients in civil cases through 8 branch offices. ILS is funded by the Legal Services Corporation, Indiana Civil Legal Aid Fund, United Ways, Area Agencies on Aging, and approximately 60 other funding sources.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER:

ILS is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any category protected by law.

LITC DESCRIPTION:

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics ensure the fairness and integrity of the tax system for taxpayers who are low-income or have limited English proficiency (i) by providing pro bono representation in tax disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), (ii) by educating them about their tax rights and responsibilities and general tax issues, and (iii) by identifying and advocating for issues that affect these taxpayers. Eligibility for legal representation is based on the existence of a controversy with IRS; taxpayers may also receive assistance with a related state tax controversy involving Indiana Department of Revenue (IDOR). Taxpayers are frequently represented in audits, appeals, requests for innocent spouse relief, collection matters, and before the U.S. Tax Court. Although an LITC is not a tax preparation service, preparation of prior year tax returns is allowed if necessary to resolve an individual taxpayer’s controversy. The LITC is funded in part by a grant from IRS. The LITC team includes three staff attorneys and two student interns.

LOCATION:

This position can be located in either the Indianapolis or Bloomington office of Indiana Legal Services.

JOB SUMMARY:

The LITC staff attorney will primarily provide legal assistance and representation services to taxpayers in disputes with the IRS and related IDOR matters. The attorney will also conduct outreach and tax education to low-income taxpayers and those with limited English proficiency. The LITC staff attorney will help build and maintain community partnerships that allow the LITC to conduct education and outreach. The attorney will mentor and supervise the work of student interns. The LITC staff attorney will perform other duties as assigned and will work under the supervision of the LITC Project Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide high-quality legal representation to taxpayers in disputes with the IRS and related IDOR matters.
• Provide high-quality legal representation before the U.S. Tax Court.
• Provide high-quality legal advice, limited service, and negotiation.
• Review applications for legal assistance and make initial calls with taxpayers to assess legal issues and needs.
• Manage casework for each assigned case from open to closing.
• Manage caseload.
• Mentor student interns and assign and supervise their work on your cases.
• Conduct outreach and tax education to taxpayers.
• Provide informative tax consultations with taxpayers.
• Build and maintain strong community partnerships.
• Track individual grant deliverables and prepare monthly and quarterly internal reports.
• Assist with LITC grant reports and applications as needed.
• Attend the annual LITC Conference (in person or virtually).
• Comply with all LSC and LITC grant requirements and all ILS policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Dedicated to the mission of Indiana Legal Services.
• A license to practice law in Indiana and a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
• At least three (3) years of attorney experience is preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed to perform job responsibilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

COMPENSATION:

The starting salary for the position is $57,425 with a range up to a maximum of $75,535 depending on experience. ILS offers an excellent fringe benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx), disability insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and a flex benefit plan.