PJLC Hires Its First Full-Time Community Legal Advocate

The Peace and Justice Law Center (PJLC) has hired its first full-time Community Legal Advocate (CLA), strengthening the organization’s ability to connect legal advocacy with community-based work. Luis Rojas joined PJLC this month to help bridge direct legal services, organizing, and movement support across California.

The Community Legal Advocate role is designed to operate at the intersection of law and community. CLAs support a wide range of work, including client intake and coordination, relationship-building with partner organizations, and translating legal strategy into practical support for impacted communities. As PJLC’s litigation, policy, and coalition work has grown, the need for a dedicated role linking these efforts has become increasingly clear.

Luis brings a strong and complementary skill set to the position. He has extensive experience in community organizing, is a trained paralegal, and is currently earning his Master of Social Work degree at the University of Southern California. His social work training will help PJLC deepen trauma-informed legal practices and further develop legal aid services as tools for social integration and long-term stability.

This hire also expands PJLC’s capacity within statewide networks, including the Decriminalizing Neighborhoods Network (DNN) and the California Alliance for Youth and Community Justice (CAYCJ). Luis will work closely with partners across these coalitions, supporting organizing efforts while helping integrate legal support into broader community safety and violence reduction strategies.

The position is funded through a mix of sources, including support from the California Endowment for statewide coalition organizing, CalVIP funding connected to PJLC’s direct services work, and general operating funds. This reflects the role’s importance across multiple areas of PJLC’s mission.

Over the longer term, this hire is part of PJLC’s plan to build a small organizing department that complements its legal work. The goal is to ensure that litigation and policy advocacy remain grounded in strong community relationships and responsive to the lived experiences of those most affected.