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
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Job Title: Staff Attorney, Housing Justice Project (HJP) Pre-RTC
Job Type: Full-time salaried position
Salary & Benefits: Salary DOE (starting at approx. $90,000), health insurance, paid leave
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: August 1, 2026
Mission Statement
Central WA Legal Aid (CWLA) is a nonprofit organization that serves 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.
Nature of Work and Position Duties
The Housing Justice Project (HJP) is a specific program under CWLA. Eviction and other housing-related issues are among the most-often identified civil legal needs in Yakima County.
The primary responsibility of the HJP Staff Attorney will be to represent low-income tenants in cases involving housing issues that are not filed with the court. This position will work closely with our Right to Counsel Staff Attorney to ensure cases are handed off efficiently as needed. More specifically, the HJP Staff Attorney will be expected to work with CWLA staff and volunteers to provide professional, client-centered representation to low-income individuals facing housing and eviction- related issues in Yakima, Kittitas and Grant Counties.
Essential HJP Staff Attorney Functions
Prepare and manage a high-volume caseload requiring frequent negotiations with opposing parties.
Develop and maintain relationships with opposing counsel, the court, and the community.
Participate in the training and support of HJP volunteer attorneys.
Participate in specialized legal clinics, “know your rights” presentations, and other formal and informal opportunities for low-income tenants to access legal advice and representation; make referrals to other CWLA clinics and programs and other organizations to ensure low-income tenants 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.
Experience and Qualifications
Licensed to practice law in Washington.
Knowledge of Washington housing 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 preferred.
Established commitment to providing legal assistance to low-income clients preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Legal Server or similar case management software.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described above are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; interact with computer screens and manipulate essential computer components (i.e., mouse and keyboard). Mobility around the office, and abilities to bend/stoop, push/pull, and perform unassisted lifting consistent with the job duties are required.
To Apply
For consideration, submit a letter of interest, resume, and 3 professional references to Quinn Dalan, Executive Director, at director@cwlegalaid.org.
CWLA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, disability, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status. In addition to federal law requirements, Yakima VAS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Jasmin Nuñez-Guzman is our Pending DOJ Accredited Representative and Case Coordinator at Central WA Legal Aid. In her time at CWLA, Jasmin has been compassionate and dedicated to her work, committed to advocating for and supporting clients through meaningful connection and guidance. Her empathetic nature and welcoming energy help create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered.
What is your role at CWLA, and how long have you been part of the team?
I serve as the Case Coordinator and pending DOJ Accredited Representative for Central Washington Legal Aid. I have been with CWLA since November of 2025.
What drew you to Central WA Legal Aid?
What drew me to Central WA Legal Aid was the organization’s commitment to immigrant justice and the emphasis on understanding the populations it serves and catering to those needs.
What part of your job brings you the most pride or joy?
What brings me the most pride is being able to help our community navigate the legal system and working towards alleviating any barriers for the client to receive the legal support everyone deserves.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about the work you do?
One thing people always find surprising is that the services we provide are free! As a nonprofit organization, we’re able to assist clients with legal matters free of charge!
What inspired you to pursue a career in legal aid, advocacy, or community service?
As a daughter of immigrants, I witnessed how difficult and complex the legal system is to navigate. These injustices and the lack of access to legal support are what led me to pursue a career in legal aid and in advocacy.
What’s a milestone or experience that shaped who you are today?
Since I was a young, I have attended the May Day marches that occur on the 1st of May calling for workers’ rights and immigrant justice in Yakima. Experiencing the empowering atmosphere at these May Day marches and the courage that it takes to stand up for what you believe in shaped my advocacy and the career that I want to pursue.
Who has been a mentor or major influence in your life?
My mom has been a major influence in my life. I have long admired her bravery and her compassion for the world.
What do you love most about serving communities in Central Washington?
What I love most about serving the community in Central Washington is listening to people’s lived experiences. Central Washington is home to an abundance of agricultural and migrant history. Our community carries powerful stories rooted in resilience, courage, and dedication. We are home to a vibrant and diverse community, and I’m honored to serve and grow alongside it!
What’s a hobby, talent, or side interest you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy dancing and going to concerts!
If you could instantly master any new skill, what would it be?
I would love to master the skill of cooking or making my coffee at home because it somehow always tastes better when I go out and buy it.
Favorite local spot in Yakima or the surrounding area?
Aventura
Favorite comfort food?
Tinga and Albondigas
Your go-to coffee/tea order?
Matcha with soy milk
A book, movie, or show you always recommend?
The autobiography of Malcom X
What are you excited to learn or take on in your role this year?
I’m looking forward to getting to know more attorneys here in Yakima and working alongside them to provide our clients with greater access to legal support!
What is one hope you have for the impact of CWLA in the community?
One hope I have for CWLA’s impact on the community is to connect people with resources and support that extend beyond legal services. Every person deserves justice and to have their voice heard, and my hope is that clients leave feeling empowered and supported.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone entering nonprofit or legal aid work, what would it be?
Take care of yourself. This work can be exhausting at times, so it’s important to make space for the things that bring you joy! Spend time with loved ones, do fun activities outside of work, stay active, go on hikes, or take walks during your breaks. One piece of advice my coworkers have consistently shared with me is that caring for yourself is essential to being able to fully support and care for others, and I’ve found that to be really helpful throughout this work.
Jasmin Nuñez-Guzman es nuestra Coordinadora de Casos y Pendiente Representante Acreditada ante el Departamento de Justicia en Central WA Legal Aid. Durante su trayectoria en CWLA, Jasmin ha demostrado compasión y dedicación en su labor, comprometiéndose a abogar por los clientes y brindarles apoyo mediante una conexión genuina y una orientación experta. Su naturaleza empática y su energía acogedora contribuyen a crear un entorno seguro y solidario, en el que los clientes se sienten escuchados, valorados y empoderados.
¿Cuál es tu función en CWLA y cuánto tiempo llevas formando parte del equipo?
Me desempeño como Coordinadora de Casos y, pendiente Representante Acreditada por el Departamento de Justicia (DOJ), para Central Washington Legal Aid. Llevo trabajando en CWLA desde noviembre de 2025.
¿Qué fue lo que te atrajo a Central WA Legal Aid?
Lo que me atrajo a Central WA Legal Aid fue el compromiso de la organización con la justicia para los inmigrantes, así como el énfasis que ponen en comprender a las poblaciones a las que sirven y en atender sus necesidades específicas.
¿Qué aspecto de tu trabajo es el que te produce mayor orgullo o alegría?
Lo que más orgullo me produce es poder ayudar a nuestra comunidad a navegar por el sistema legal y trabajar para eliminar cualquier barrera que impida a los clientes recibir el apoyo legal que toda persona merece.
¿Qué es algo que podría sorprender a la gente al enterarse sobre el trabajo que realizas?
Algo que siempre sorprende a la gente es que los servicios que ofrecemos son gratuitos. Como organización sin fines de lucro, podemos asistir a nuestros clientes con sus asuntos legales sin costo.
¿Qué te inspiró a seguir una carrera en el ámbito de la asistencia legal, la defensa de derechos o el servicio comunitario?
Como hija de inmigrantes, fui testiga de lo difícil y complejo que resulta navegar por el sistema legal. Estas injusticias, sumadas a la falta de acceso a apoyo legal, fueron lo que me impulsó a seguir una carrera en el campo de la asistencia legal y la defensa de derechos.
¿Cuál ha sido un hito o una experiencia que ha marcado la persona que eres hoy?
Desde que era joven, he asistido a las marchas de May Day que se celebran el primer de Mayo en Yakima para reivindicar los derechos de los trabajadores y la justicia para los inmigrantes. Vivir el ambiente empoderador de estas marchas y ser testigo de la valentía que se requiere para defender aquello en lo que uno cree fueron experiencias que moldearon mi vocación de defensa de derechos y la carrera profesional que deseo seguir.
¿Quién ha sido un mentor o una gran influencia en tu vida?
Mi madre ha sido una gran influencia en mi vida. Desde hace mucho tiempo admiro su valentía y su compasión por el mundo.
¿Qué es lo que más te gusta de servir a las comunidades del centro de Washington?
Lo que más me gusta de servir a la comunidad en el centro de Washington es escuchar las experiencias vividas por las personas. El centro de Washington alberga una gran riqueza de historia agrícola y migratoria. Nuestra comunidad atesora historias poderosas, arraigadas en la resiliencia, el coraje y la dedicación. Somos el hogar de una comunidad vibrante y diversa, ¡y me siento honrada de servir y crecer junto a ella!
¿Cuál es un pasatiempo, talento o interés secundario que disfrutas fuera del trabajo?
¡Me encanta bailar y asistir a conciertos!
Si pudieras dominar al instante cualquier nueva habilidad, ¿cuál sería?
Me encantaría dominar el arte de la cocina o el de prepararme el café en casa, ya que, por alguna razón, siempre sabe mejor cuando salgo a comprarlo fuera.
¿Cuál es tu lugar local favorito en Yakima o sus alrededores?
Aventura
¿Cuál es tu comida reconfortante favorita?
Tinga y albóndigas
¿Cuál es tu pedido habitual de café o té?
Matcha con leche de soya
¿Algún libro, película o programa que siempre recomiendes?
La autobiografía de Malcolm X
¿Qué te entusiasma aprender o emprender en tu puesto este año?
¡Tengo muchas ganas de conocer a más abogados aquí en Yakima y trabajar junto a ellos para brindar a nuestros clientes un mayor acceso a apoyo legal!
¿Cuál es una de tus esperanzas respecto al impacto de CWLA en la comunidad?
Una de mis esperanzas sobre el impacto de CWLA en la comunidad es conectar a las personas con recursos y apoyo que vayan más allá de los servicios legales. Toda persona merece justicia y que su voz sea escuchada; mi esperanza es que los clientes se marchen sintiéndose empoderados y respaldados.
Si pudieras dar un consejo a alguien que se inicia en el trabajo sin fines de lucro o en la asistencia legal, ¿cuál sería?
Cuídate a ti mismo. Este trabajo puede ser agotador en ocasiones, por lo que es importante hacer espacio para aquellas cosas que te brindan alegría. Pasa tiempo con tus seres queridos, realiza actividades divertidas fuera del trabajo, mantente activo, sal de excursión o da paseos durante tus descansos. Un consejo que mis compañeros de trabajo me han compartido constantemente es que cuidarse a uno mismo es esencial para poder apoyar y cuidar plenamente a los demás; he comprobado que esto resulta sumamente útil a lo largo de este trabajo.
For more information about our 2026 Justice Gala please visit our Justice Gala Website below:
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.
