On December 11, 2025, OneJustice, the Legal Aid Association of California, and Legal Link filed a petition with the California Supreme Court to expand access to legal assistance through the innovative Community Justice Worker model.
If approved, the proposed framework would allow eligible legal services organizations to engage trained nonlawyer community members and employees under attorney supervision to provide limited legal advice and assistance. If approved, the program, designed in consultation with 11 legal service organizations throughout California as well as conversation with many stakeholders, will increase the availability of legal help for communities that face persistent barriers to accessing traditional legal services.
“Community Justice Workers are trusted leaders who are often already providing guidance and support to their neighbors. Authorizing their limited practice under attorney supervision would dramatically expand the capacity of legal services organizations to serve vulnerable Californians.”
The petition proposes adoption of Proposed California Rule of Court 9.45.1, which reflects the Working Group’s careful analysis and incorporates feedback from a wide range of interested parties.
Key features of Proposed Rule 9.45.1 include:
- Eligibility limited to legal services organizations already approved to receive IOLTA funding and subject to oversight by the State Bar of California.
- A detailed application process requiring organizations to describe program design, selection criteria, training, supervision, and quality-assurance measures for Community Justice Workers.
- A prohibition on charging fees for legal services, including contingency or referral fees.
- Mandatory malpractice insurance coverage for Community Justice Workers and required reporting of complaints or rule violations to the State Bar.
Learn more about the Community Justice Workers proposal here.