Job PostingWe are hiring for TWO levels simultaneously. Whether you are an emerging attorney with 0-3 years of experience or a seasoned practitioner with 2-5+ years, we want to hear from you. Tell us your experience level when you apply.Established in 2019, the Central Valley Empowerment Alliance (CVEA) is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving rural farmworker communities across Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern counties.
Operating from Poplar, CA, CVEA uses a community-led organizing model rooted in the belief that those most impacted are the experts. They call this approach Radical Love.CVEA has successfully advocated for a statewide legal services program and secured grant funding to launch a brand new legal department. This is not a seat at an existing table.
This is the opportunity to build the table itself.The Senior Attorney will report directly to the Executive Director and will lead and shape the department, sitting on the leadership team. The Attorney (junior level) will report to the Director of Organizing & Programs, or the Senior Attorney once hired. Both roles will work closely alongside community organizers, state agencies, and legal coalition partners including California Rural Legal Assistance and Central California Legal Services.Key ResponsibilitiesCommunity Outreach and Legal ClinicsConduct 6-12 field-based legal clinics and pop-up services annuallyLead a minimum of 11 Know Your Rights / Workers' Rights workshopsCo-develop outreach materials and education resourcesLegal Services and Case ManagementProvide 50-75 legal consultations and direct representation over 24 months, primarily in employment matters: wage theft, health and safety violations, retaliation, and leave protectionsLead individual and class action cases in state and federal courts - research, strategy, drafting, and trialManage administrative claims before DLSE, Cal/OSHA, and other state agenciesApply trauma-informed practices and maintain strict client confidentiality at all timesConnect clients to holistic support through internal programs and external partnersTrack systemic issues and identify high-impact or organizing-potential casesParticipate in monthly progress meetings and provide grant reporting dataDepartment and Organizational DevelopmentDesign and establish client intake systems, referral pathways, and legal processes from the ground upMentor and support paralegal and non-attorney advocacy staffRepresent CVEA in coalition meetings with legal partners and state agencies(Senior level) Advise the Executive Director on department growth, funding strategy, and organizational legal needs(Senior level) Other organizational legal duties as assigned