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: $85,000-$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 organization dedicated to providing free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Yakima and surrounding counties, including Benton, Franklin, Grant, and Kittitas. Our mission is to serve the most vulnerable of our community by providing expedited and intensive legal advocacy and problem-solving strategies. We strive to change the culture of the legal field by prioritizing and understanding the populations we serve.
We prioritize serving Spanish-speaking clients and those lacking documentation, recognizing the unique challenges they face in accessing justice.
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.
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 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 wih colleagues, partners and organizations from a wide range of backgrounds
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom and Legal Server or similar case management software
Compensation and Benefits
CWLA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.
This position comes with the ability to cross train and learn the other areas of law performed by lawyers at CWLA: adult guardianships, housing, and immigration.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
Resume highlighting qualifications and professional background.
Please send application materials to info @cwlegalaid.org or mail to:
Central WA Legal Aid
Attn: Hiring Committee
315 Holton Avenue, Suite 202
Yakima, WA 98902
Equal Opportunity Employer
Central WA Legal Aid is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those who are Spanish-speaking, undocumented, and from other underrepresented communities.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Family Support Staff Attorney position at Central WA Legal Aid. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.
