ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF) is a high‑performing social enterprise dedicated to uplifting Latino and working‑class communities through affordable housing, economic development, education, multi‑media communications, and the National Chavez Center. With more than 300 employees across five states, CCF continues to expand its impact through strategic growth initiatives, including expansion into Texas and strengthening corporate governance and compliance across all entities.
The Junior Staff Attorney supports the legal needs of CCF and its subsidiaries by assisting with research, drafting, compliance, and administrative legal functions under the supervision of the Senior Staff Attorney and General Counsel.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Junior Staff Attorney provides foundational legal support to the Legal Department, including research, drafting, contract review, and assistance with litigation and compliance matters. This role supports senior legal leadership by preparing documents, conducting statutory research, assisting with corporate governance tasks, and helping coordinate outside counsel. The Junior Staff Attorney will gain exposure to complex business transactions, nonprofit regulatory requirements, and multi‑state operations.
This position is designed for an early‑career attorney seeking to develop in‑house legal experience within a mission‑driven nonprofit organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Staff Attorney, duties include:
-
Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, summaries, and issue briefs for senior attorneys.
-
Draft routine legal documents, including correspondence, basic contracts, policy updates, and compliance forms.
-
Assist with document review, file organization, and preparation of materials for hearings, mediations, and meetings.
-
Support litigation activities by organizing discovery, preparing exhibits, coordinating deadlines, and maintaining case files.
-
Assist with contract administration, including tracking deadlines, reviewing standard terms, and preparing drafts for senior attorney review.
-
Support compliance functions by monitoring regulatory updates, preparing filings, and maintaining corporate records.
-
Coordinate with internal departments to gather information, clarify requests, and support legal workflows.
-
Assist with Employee Relations documentation, including reviewing files, preparing summaries, and supporting investigations under senior attorney direction.
-
Maintain legal databases, calendars, and tracking systems to support departmental organization.
-
Attend trainings, CLEs, and professional development activities to build legal competency.
-
Provide general administrative and operational support to the Legal Department as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not supervise staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience
-
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
-
Admission to practice law in CA, TX, AZ, or NM (California preferred).
-
0–3 years of legal experience; internships, clinics, or clerkships may count.
-
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
-
Ability to communicate clearly with internal staff and external partners.
-
Interest in nonprofit, employment, corporate, or public‑interest law.
-
Preferred Experience (Not Required)
-
Experience working with nonprofit organizations or tax‑exempt entities.
-
Exposure to litigation support, administrative hearings, or compliance work.
-
Experience working with diverse or underserved communities.
Pay Range:
95k-105k Annually