Staff Attorney - Native American Program (NAPOLS)

Position DescriptionLegal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) seek a Staff Attorney for its Native American Program (NAPOLS), located in Pendleton, Oregon. This position is eligible for a partial remote work option.BackgroundLASO is a non-profit organization that represents income-eligible clients in civil cases. LASO’s eight regional offices serve the income-eligible population in a variety of practice areas throughout the state, with three specialized statewide programs that provide services to income-eligible taxpayers, farmworkers and representation specific to the Native American community through the Native American Program (NAPOLS). LASO’s mission is to provide effective, high-quality legal services and it is committed to advocacy strategies having the broadest possible impact on client community problems. LASO is actively working to build an inclusive organizational culture that centers on racial equity. LASO is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a welcoming and culturally responsive environment for our staff and clients. LASO upholds anti-oppressive language and behavior organizationally and in community.The Native American Program of LASO (NAPOLS) provides free legal assistance to income-eligible Native Americans who are members of federally recognized tribes, including the nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon, as well as Native communities and organizations serving Native populations across the state—whether in urban centers, rural areas, or reservation-based communities. With deep ties to Oregon’s tribes, NAPOLS plays a pivotal role in strengthening Native communities and advancing tribal sovereignty. The program specializes in legal matters prevalent within our priority populations: youth, Elders, and Tribal Courts. Our practice areas include estate planning, probate involving land in trust, access to public benefits, expungement of criminal records, and representation in tribal court including guardianships. In addition to direct legal services, the program offers community education on a broad range of legal issues impacting Native communities.NAPOLS is committed to providing legal services rooted in Native American cultural values and beliefs. We focus our work to visibilize legal issues pertinent to the Native community and to provide advice, legal resources, and legal representation to eligible community members. We honor and incorporate Indigenous wisdom and traditions, and we work to share knowledge, empower, and support the Native community and Tribal courts.ResponsibilitiesThe staff attorney will be responsible for maintaining a varied caseload, with an emphasis on providing advice and counsel, brief service, limited advocacy, or full representation to eligible Tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, in Tribal, state and federal courts, and administrative agencies, as well as outreach and community education, in-person and in virtual formats. The types of cases that this position may handle include the following: Public and Tribal Benefits; child dependency and parental rights; family law; domestic violence protective orders; housing; consumer law and debtor rights; and other areas as the needs arise. This position also includes communication with team members, community members, Clients, other stakeholders.Qualifications Demonstrated commitment to and experience working in Indian Country or with Native American communities. Knowledge of federal Indian law, tribal law, and state law as it relates to Native people. Experience and/or knowledge in one or more of the areas of law listed in the Responsibilities section. Experience working in a Native American legal aid program or a similar setting is preferred. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach to client service and team leadership. Ability to be self-directed, proactive, and to work independently.Position requires in-person office hours at the LASO office located in Pendleton, Oregon. Position also requires a current Oregon State Bar membership or eligibility for admission by reciprocity, as well as admission to the Umatilla Tribal Court (which may be obtained after hiring). Travel to Portland may be required on occasion (estimated up to 4 times per year).Salary/BenefitsCompensation is based on a 35-hour work week. Salary range is $66,200 – 73,700 for 0-5 years’ experience; $75,200 – 81,200 for 6-10 years’ experience and $82,700 - $105,200 for 11-30 years’ experience annually; salaries are determined by relevant work experience and our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Additional $4,300 to $5,700 annually for bilingual ability, depending on proficiency. Full benefits package including individual and family health, vision, and dental insurance coverage; 6% employer retirement contribution; generous paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave; and paid moving expenses.Closing DateOpen until filled. Review of resumes beginning May 15, 2026.To ApplyTo apply, submit a resume and cover letter (3 pages or less), which includes a description of your interest in this position and/or NAPOLS and on how you meet the qualifications for this position, as set forth in the “Responsibilities” and “Qualifications” sections of this job posting.Address materials to: Molly Washington, DirectorEmail materials to: napolsjobs@lasoregon.orgIf you require reasonable accommodation for a disability during the application/hiring process, please contact laso@hrworks-inc.com.We celebrate diversity.LASO is committed to being an organization that reflects the communities we serve and is diverse in race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, or sensory, mental and physical abilities, work background, experience and education. We believe that the outcome of such diversity is our greatest strength and a matter of basic human fairness. It is to this end that we strongly encourage applications from people of color and people from any other underrepresented and historically marginalized group to apply for this position.