Making a difference in our community.

Job Title: Program & Development Associate (Choose Your Own Adventure!)

Pay: $22–$25/hour, DOE
Hours: 40 hours/week 
Location: Yakima, WA 

About Us

Central WA Legal Aid (CWLA) is a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to low-income communities across Central Washington. We believe everyone deserves equal access to justice — and we can’t do it without a strong, creative team behind the scenes.

The Twist: Build Your Own Role

We know great candidates bring different strengths. That’s why this role is flexible — you’ll choose two of the four paths below to shape your position around your skills and interests.

Path 1: Case Manager

Guide clients through the legal process with extra support and “hand-holding.”

Help with intake, follow-ups, and ensuring clients understand next steps.

Connect clients to resources beyond legal aid when needed.

Path 2: Outreach

Represent CWLA at community events, legal clinics, presentations and outreach activities.

Work with non-lawyer volunteers and staff and assign outreach events.

Build connections with partner organizations and community leaders.

Spread awareness of our services and mission.

Manage our social media pages and update the website as needed

Path 3: Development & Grants

Support fundraising events and donor relations.

Identify and apply for grants that align with our mission.

Track deadlines and support reporting requirements.

Thank donors and volunteers.

Path 4: Finance & Reporting

Accurately track expenses tied to grants and projects.

Create simple reports on grant spending, budgets, and future projections.

Work with leadership to ensure compliance with funder requirements.

What You’ll Do (depending on your choices)

Select two paths that align with your strengths.

Collaborate with the Executive Director and program staff.

Take initiative to improve processes and support our mission.

Pitch in on other projects when needed — we’re a team that wears many hats.

What We’re Looking For

Someone who is mission-driven and community-minded.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Comfortable balancing multiple projects and timelines.

Attention to detail, especially if choosing finance or grants.

Flexibility and willingness to learn.

Our ideal candidate will speak and write Spanish

What We Offer

Hourly wage of $20–$25, depending on experience.

Supportive team environment with opportunities to learn new skills.

The chance to design your role around your strengths.

An option to apply for and complete the WSBA pathway to becoming an attorney without attending law school, if interested

How to Apply

Send a resume and short cover letter to director@cwlegalaid.org. In your cover letter, tell us which two paths you’d pick (Case Manager, Outreach, Development & Grants, Finance & Reporting) and why.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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. 

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.