With three staff attorneys and a network of volunteer attorneys throughout the region, we provide free legal advice and representation to the most vulnerable community members, specifically those living in poverty. We serve all low-income individuals, regardless of citizenship. Access to attorneys changes lives and gives hope to those facing intimidating legal problems.
Central Washington Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization that serves the most vulnerable members 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.
Led by great attorneys who really care about the community, a good resource for those in need, and a great place to volunteer your time. Everyone is very kind and supportive.
— Community Member
Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services is heading in the right direction. They have hired a stellar, experienced, and honest attorney as executive director.
— Community Member
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.
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, retirement benefits 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.
En el estado de Washington, tanto la tutela de menores como el poder notarial permiten que un tercero tome decisiones en nombre de un menor, pero sirven para propósitos diferentes y se usan en situaciones distintas. A continuación, se presenta un desglose de las diferencias:
Tutela de menores
Una tutela de menores es un acuerdo legal en el que un tribunal nombra a un tutor para cuidar y tomar decisiones por un menor de edad (menor de 18 años) cuando los padres no pueden o no quieren hacerlo. Las tutelas suelen ser para situaciones en las que los padres están ausentes, incapacitados o, de otro modo, no pueden cuidar al niño.
¿Quién nombra al tutor? El tribunal.
Duración: La tutela finalizará cuando el menor cumpla 18 años o antes, según las circunstancias y la orden judicial.
Alcance de la autoridad: El tutor tiene la autoridad legal para tomar todas las decisiones importantes para el menor, incluyendo atención médica, educación y bienestar general.
Participación de los padres: Los padres pueden estar o no de acuerdo con la tutela, pero se requiere la aprobación del tribunal, y generalmente se notifica a los padres, quienes pueden impugnarla. De hecho, los padres tienen derecho a un abogado que los represente si impugnan la tutela.
Proceso: Requiere presentar una petición ante el tribunal, asistir a audiencias y presentar pruebas. Es un procedimiento legal formal con supervisión.
Poder notarial (para un menor)
Un poder notarial (POA) para un menor es un documento legal mediante el cual un padre (o tutor legal) transfiere temporalmente la autoridad a otro adulto para tomar ciertas decisiones por su hijo.
¿Quién nombra al representante? El padre o tutor legal del menor.
Duración: Por lo general, es temporal y puede ser revocado en cualquier momento por el padre. Normalmente dura un período específico. Según la ley de WA, no puede durar más de dos años a la vez.
Alcance de la autoridad: El padre puede especificar el alcance del poder otorgado (por ejemplo, decisiones médicas, asuntos escolares, etc.). A menudo se utiliza para situaciones a corto plazo, como vacaciones, ausencias temporales o emergencias médicas.
Participación de los padres: El padre otorga el poder notarial y puede especificar qué autoridad tiene el representante. Los padres conservan la custodia legal del menor y pueden revocar el poder notarial en cualquier momento.
Proceso: Es un proceso más simple que la tutela. Por lo general, solo implica firmar un documento sin la intervención del tribunal.
Diferencias clave:
La tutela es más formal, requiere la aprobación del tribunal y suele ser a largo plazo, mientras que el poder notarial es un acuerdo más sencillo y temporal entre el padre y un adulto designado.
La tutela otorga al tutor plena autoridad sobre las decisiones del menor, mientras que el poder notarial puede limitarse a áreas específicas, como decisiones médicas o educativas.
La tutela puede durar hasta que el menor cumpla 18 años, pero el poder notarial suele ser para necesidades a corto plazo, como unos meses.
Si desea ayuda con un caso de tutela de menores o un poder notarial debido a preocupaciones por deportación, por favor complete su información en este ENLACE.
If you have legal questions, you will be asked to contact CLEAR!
Funding is provided in part from the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid and the Legal Foundation of Washington.
