Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney | California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.

California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) is an anti‑poverty law firm that dismantles unjust systems through community lawyering in California’s rural areas. CRLA serves people priced out of private legal representation, helping them uphold civil rights in housing, employment, health, and public education. Through 17 Rural Justice Centers, communities access direct legal services, place‑based advocacy, and specialized litigation.

Full‑time, hybrid (CRLA HQ, Modesto). The Staff Attorney works with the Managing Attorney and staff to develop and implement creative advocacy strategies addressing community‑identified environmental justice issues in the Central Valley. The role includes legal advocacy, litigation support, factual research, community outreach, education, and policy analysis.

• Provide legal services to low‑income clients and client groups, including advice, negotiation, litigation, and administrative advocacy.
• Supervise the work product of Community Workers and Clerical support staff related to all clients.
• Undertake significant statewide impact activities, including institutional and group litigation.
• Develop leadership in working with community and advocacy groups on statewide impact issues.
• Specialize in a substantive area of poverty law and serve as a resource for staff via CRLA task forces.
• Coordinate advocacy with other human services providers, non‑profit organizations, and community groups.
• Participate in CRLA training, case reviews, staff meetings, and other activities as required.
• Provide community education on legal rights and prepare presentation materials.
• Collaborate with members of the private bar as necessary in accordance with CRLA Private Bar Involvement.
• Maintain contemporaneous time records in the CRLA case management system.
• Maintain positive relationships with all office staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Admitted to practice law in California or willing to take the next CA Bar Exam.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with low‑income clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
• Good people skills and ability to build positive relations with a diverse population.

• Experience working with low‑income families and communities.
• Experience in a non‑profit legal services environment.
• Prior experience in legal services and additional language ability relevant.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish).

• Base pay range: $73,000 – $104,000 per year.
• Generous benefits package: 100% employer‑covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short/long‑term disability insurance for employees; up to 50% coverage for dependents.
• 401(k) retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately.
• Professional dues covered (Bar Fees), up to $8,000 LRAP loan reimbursement.
• Paid leave: 15 days sick leave, 15 holidays, and vacation (15 days first year, 20 days after one year).
• Union position (Legal Service Workers for Rural California “LSWRC”).

All employees are required to be Fully Vaccinated, defined as a CDC‑approved COVID vaccination and one booster shot. The offer is contingent on meeting this requirement. The complete vaccination policy, including accommodations, is available upon request.

California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. thrives on diversity. We are a proud equal‑opportunity employer and encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply.