Justice Center Director
About The Position
The Justice Center Director leads the operations and advocacy efforts of a California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) Justice Center in El Centro, California. CRLA is an anti-poverty law firm that works with people priced out of private legal representation to uphold civil rights in housing, employment, health, and public education. Through 17 Rural Justice Centers, CRLA provides direct legal services, place-based advocacy, and specialized litigation. The Director ensures the Justice Center’s work aligns with CRLA’s community lawyering principles and systemic advocacy goals. The role supervises a multidisciplinary team, manages a personal caseload, builds local partnerships, and ensures the center is an equity-focused place where clients and community members can access CRLA services and resources. The position reports to the Associate Director – Rural Justice Program. This is a regular, full-time, FLSA-exempt, non-union-eligible position. The position is based at CRLA’s El Centro office. The salary range is $100,000–$130,000, depending on years admitted to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction and relevant law-related work experience before admission.
Requirements
- At least 4 years of experience working with historically marginalized populations.
- At least 3 years in advocacy roles, the majority of which should be experience as an attorney.
- Admission to the California Bar or another State Bar, with willingness to take the next California Bar Exam.
- Ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse community groups.
Nice To Haves
- Leadership or supervisory experience.
- At least 2 years of program management, supervisory, or leadership experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity.
- Familiarity with systemic advocacy and legal issues affecting rural, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities.
- Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to CRLA’s clients.
Responsibilities
- Supervise attorneys, community workers, and support staff to deliver impactful advocacy.
- Lead team meetings, case reviews, and strategy discussions.
- Develop office workplans and other tools to guide and align staff efforts.
- Build trust and partnerships with local organizations and community leaders to inform advocacy and expand CRLA’s reach.
- Serve as a community leader and trusted partner in external community spaces.
- Represent CRLA in public forums, policy discussions, and community events.
- Design and oversee initiatives that enable community members to identify systemic issues and develop solutions, including facilitating and supporting a local advisory committee (Comité).
- Maintain an active caseload and contribute to affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, and other systemic advocacy efforts.
- Oversee implementation of annual work plans and ensure compliance with CRLA policies, Legal Services Corporation regulations, and ethical standards.
- Oversee building management and ensure facilities requests are addressed.
- Ensure collaboration across CRLA staff co-located at the Justice Center.
- Facilitate resource sharing and collaboration with other Justice Centers and CRLA programs.
Benefits
- Employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance for employees; up to 50% dependent coverage.
- 401(k) retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately.
- Payment of some professional dues, including Bar Fees.
- If qualified, up to $8,000 in law school Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP).
- Paid leave including 15 days of sick leave, 15 holidays each year, and vacation accrued at 15 days in the first year of service and 20 days after one year at CRLA.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
