Participatory Listening Session on Community Justice Workers

Expand Access to Justice: New Proposed Rules Need Your Input

Frontline staff and volunteers at nonprofits witness the root causes of instability in our communities everyday—from eviction threats to blocked benefits. You want to help, but navigating complex legal systems usually requires an attorney—leaving vulnerable populations shut out from critical legal support. That could soon change, and we need your voice to shape how it happens.

The California Supreme Court has issued proposed rules that would allow trained non-attorneys – Community Justice Workers (CJWs) – to give limited legal advice under the supervision of nonprofit legal aid attorneys. Whether it’s a food bank, house of worship, health clinic, housing advocate, or a community center, this reform could allow organizations to provide accessible legal support where people already turn for help: your nonprofit. CJWs help clients complete forms and understand legal processes.

Join CalNonprofits and the Legal Aid Association of California (LAAC) for a Participatory Listening & Information Session on Community Justice Workers. This isn’t just a webinar to listen to updates. It is a live forum for you to learn about the proposed rules, raise your concerns, ask questions, and prepare a formal comment. You’ll learn how the proposed rules define the types of legal help CJWs can provide, the training they’ll need, and the specific nonprofit settings where they can operate.

Why your participation matters: The State Bar of California has opened a public comment period on these rules, closing on August 22, 2026. We want to ensure the final rules reflect the real-world operational realities of diverse, community-based nonprofits. We will walk through exactly how your organization can submit an impactful comment letter. 

Imagine giving your team the power to offer real, trusted legal guidance right when a client needs it most. If this rule passes, it opens up a whole new playbook for your nonprofit. Don’t have a current partnership with a local legal aid office? No problem! This is the perfect excuse to build one tailored exactly to your community. Plus, it creates incredible new professional growth pathways for your staff and community members with lived experience. 

So come lift up your questions, protect your community, and help us expand access to justice!