Staff Attorney I or II

About GWC: Founded in 2001, the Garment Worker Center is a worker rights organization leading an anti-sweatshop movement to improve conditions for tens of thousands of Los Angeles garment workers. Through direct organizing, GWC develops leaders who demand enforcement of strong labor laws and accountability from factory owners, manufacturers, and fashion brands. We center immigrant workers, women of color, and their families who are impacted by exploitation in the fashion industry.

Position description: GWC seeks a dedicated, community-centered staff attorney for our Legal Clinic. The Staff Attorney is responsible for providing labor and employment legal assistance to garment workers, including in wage claims through the CA Labor Commission and investigations through the CA Bureau of Field Enforcement. The Staff Attorney will work with GWC Organizers on Know Your Rights training curriculum and materials for workers, and will support GWC’s advocacy efforts for stronger labor enforcement.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct case evaluation, including intake, evidence review, and wage and damages calculations.
• Provide direct representation to workers in Berman hearings at the State Labor Commission.
• Prepare and advise workers for settlement conferences and hearings.
• Participate in case review with Clinic staff.
• Draft legal memoranda, pleadings, and other case-related legal documents.
• Communicate with Labor Commission deputies, as needed for case management.
• Communicate case updates to clients on a regular basis, in coordination with Case Managers.
• Support worker delegations to factories and brand headquarters, related to workers’ demands about their wages and working conditions.
• Assist in the development of Know Your Rights training curriculum and educational materials, in collaboration with Leadership Development Organizer.
• Support the training of team members, when needed.
• Conduct wage and hour training with workers, in coordination with Leadership Development Organizer, and for GWC staff and allies.
• Attend coalition or partnership meetings related to GWC’s labor agency advocacy.
• Attend weekly Downtown LA and monthly regional clinics, with support from Case Managers.
• Support GWC’s membership building efforts Work collaboratively with team members and other GWC staff to ensure that colleagues are informed of the laws and protocols that are applicable to the garment industry and needed in the function of the clinic.
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends, depending on the needs of the clinic.
• Other duties, as necessary.

Skills and Experience

• J.D. and admission to the California Bar
• Staff Attorney I: 1-3 years experience
• Staff Attorney II: 4 or more years experience
• Strong legal research, writing and analytical skills.
• Proficient with Lexis Nexis or Westlaw.
• Experience representing clients at administrative hearings and/or trial (strongly preferred but not required).
• Experience with trauma-informed interview skills (preferred but not required).
• Demonstrated experience in community or labor organizing.
• Strong commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice and their intersections.
• Knowledge of the garment industry (preferred but not required).
• Self-motivated, able to set priorities and goals, and also work well in collective settings.
• Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary
  • Staff Attorney I: $78,000
  • Staff Attorney II: $103,740
• Generous paid sick time, vacation, and holidays.
  • 14 paid sick days
  • 15 paid vacation days in the first year, 20 paid days in the following years
  • 5 paid Life Balance days
  • 20 paid holidays
• Fully paid health and dental insurance.
• Retirement program, with employer matching at 3%
• Annual professional development stipend
• GWC’s staff is represented by OPEIU, Local 30. This position is in the bargaining unit.

• Fluent in Spanish - both written and oral skills.
• Speaks Zapotec or Mayan dialect (preferred but not required).