Making a difference in our community.

Brian Dosch was named a 2025 volunteer of the year for Central WA Legal Aid. Brian quickly began accepting cases pro bono early in the year; he has also attended clinics and actively participated within the organization to help clients. Brian has assisted clients in filing appeals and offered alternative options to continue supporting cases. 

When we asked Brian to tell us more about himself and his motivation to make an impact at CWLA, he said:

1.    What motivated you to become an attorney and practice employment law? I was motivated to become an attorney to help people solve problems and to be their voice 

2.    What is the most rewarding part of your career? Getting positive results for your clients and seeing them happy and relieved 

3.    What does professional responsibility mean to you? Being a responsible, ethical, respectful person while engaging in our profession 

4.    What inspires you to volunteer? Not everyone can afford an attorney and lots of problems go unaddressed for people. I volunteer to provide some relief to those that have gone without help while trying to address legal problems in their lives  

5.   In what ways has volunteering for CWLA benefited you? Getting to assist folks who otherwise might not have gotten any help 

6.   What advice can you give to young attorneys who are interested in volunteering for CWLA? Do it! It has a huge positive impact on people's lives 
 

Scott Snyder was named as a 2025 volunteer of the year for Central WA Legal Aid. Scott has accepted client's pro bono over the years and makes himself available to participate in will/estate clinics. To ensure clients receive proper counsel Scott always requests 1 ½ hour appointment, in which he provides counsel advice, and fills out the necessary forms for a will.

When we asked Scott tell us more about himself and his motivation to make an impact at CWLA, he said:

1.    What motivated you to become an attorney and practice Estate Law? Helping people plan and implement how they want to pass on their estates. It’s such a personal decision, and I relish being their trusted advisor behind the scenes. 

2.    What is the most challenging part of your profession? Meeting the expectations of a demanding client. But clients who set the bar high for you ultimately help you become a better lawyer. 

3.    What is the most rewarding part of your career? Getting a positive result for a client, especially when they take the time to tell you that they were pleased with how things went, send you a card, etc. 

4.    What does professional responsibility mean to you? Be competent, communicate well, and keep your mouth shut about what you’re on. 

5.    What inspires you to volunteer? The people you help. Once you’ve done it, you want to do it again because you experience the appreciation they have for the help you provide that they couldn’t get otherwise. 

6.    In what ways has volunteering for CWLA benefited you? It’s been a rewarding experience that money can’t buy. Working with the staff at CWLA has been great...getting to know them and knowing they have confidence in me. 

7.    What is your most memorable case/client while volunteering? Her name is Catherine. (We don’t need to use the name.) She was the first or second client I helped. She needed a will because she had cancer and didn’t have long to live. After signing her documents, I never saw her again and she’s no longer with us. But she sent me a beautiful thank-you card that really touched me. 

8.    What do you appreciate about your community? I appreciate the size and diversity of our community. On the latter point, diversity, I do think we’ve got some work to do, to come together and make the community stronger. 

9.    What advice can you give to young attorneys who are interested in volunteering for CWLA? Don’t wait too long like I did to volunteer. I wish I would have done this a long time ago, especially in my early years. And, when you do it, be straight up with the clients about their case. I have found they really appreciate that. 

10    Side question: How do you like to spend your day off? Spend time with my kids and get some exercise to keep myself fit and healthy. 

Upcoming or recent graduates are invited to apply! Apply by September 15 to be given priority consideration! 

Job Title: Family Support Staff Attorney 
Location: Yakima, Washington 
Organization: Central WA Legal Aid (CWLA) 
Reports To: Executive Director 
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt 
Salary: $75,000–$90,000, DOE 
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and generous paid time off 

About Central WA Legal Aid 

Central WA Legal Aid is a nonprofit legal organization rooted in Yakima and serving communities across Central Washington, including Benton, Franklin, Grant, and Kittitas counties. We provide free civil legal services to low-income individuals and families, with a particular emphasis on Spanish-speaking, undocumented, and migrant communities. We are committed to anti-racist, trauma-informed legal advocacy, and we aim to shift the culture of the legal system by centering the voices and needs of those most impacted by injustice. 

CWLA is a dynamic and growing nonprofit where attorneys are encouraged to use creativity, collaboration, and community partnership to expand access to justice in rural and historically underserved areas. 

Position Overview 

The Family Support Staff Attorney will play a pivotal role in advancing CWLA’s mission by providing legal representation and assistance to individuals facing family law and domestic violence issues. This position offers significant autonomy to address the evolving needs of our community, particularly among Spanish-speaking and undocumented populations. The attorney will handle cases involving domestic violence, child custody, minor guardianship, and other family-related matters, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive legal support in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed manner. 

No prior experience in family law is required—we will provide training and mentorship for new attorneys and recent graduates. However, we ask for a minimum two-year commitment to live and work in the Yakima area to ensure continuity and connection with the communities we serve. 

Core Functions of the Role 

Provide legal advice and representation to low-income individuals who are experiencing family violence and domestic legal issues 

Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload – this caseload could range from an advice session, preparation of legal documents, or representation in court 

Develop and maintain relationships with the court and the community 

Participate in the training and support of family law volunteer attorneys 

Participate in specialized legal clinics, “know your rights” presentations, and other formal and informal opportunities for low-income individuals to access legal advice and representation; make referrals to other CWLA clinics and programs and community partners to ensure clients have holistic access to legal representation and client services for all civil legal needs 

Use, participate in, and cooperate with other programs operated by CWLA to improve existing legal services 

Participate in specific and general program volunteer recruitment and CLE trainings 

Work with existing and new partner agencies who are focused on services to Latine individuals and survivors of domestic violence 

Perform other duties as assigned 

Experience and Qualifications 

Licensed (or soon to be licensed) to practice law in WA 

Knowledge of WA domestic violence and family law, or a commitment to learn this specialized field 

Litigation and direct client management experience preferred 

Demonstrated experience working directly with low-income clients, individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds, survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, or individuals from historically marginalized and oppressed communities 

Deep respect for diversity and commitment to advancing CWLA’s mission, including dismantling racism, sexism and other forms of oppression and promoting access to justice for all 

Demonstrated experience, familiarity with, and cultural knowledge of Latine communities in the counties served (Yakima, Grant, Benton, Franklin, Kittitas), or the commitment to learn 

Demonstrated experience working directly with Spanish-speaking clients and members of the migrant community 

Established commitment to providing legal assistance to low-income clients 

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others 

Strong ability to work collaboratively, build trust and be flexible with colleagues, partners and organizations from a wide range of backgrounds 

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom and Legal Server or similar case management software 

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits 

CWLA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 

CWLA covers bar dues, membership dues, and trainings 

Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays 

Health, dental, and vision insurance 

Flexible working hours 

Professional development and mentorship from experienced legal advocates 

Opportunities for growth within the organization 

Ability to occasionally work from home 

A supportive team culture focused on justice, equity, and community service 

This position also offers the ability to cross-train and learn the other areas of law practiced by CWLA attorneys: adult guardianships, housing, and immigration. 

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit the following materials: 

Resume highlighting qualifications and professional background 

Please send inquiries and/or application materials to info@cwlegalaid.org. Application materials submitted by August 15, 2025, will be given priority. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Central WA Legal Aid is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those who are Spanish-speaking, undocumented, or from underrepresented communities. 

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Family Support Staff Attorney position at CWLA. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.